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Author SHA1 Message Date
Blog Creator 70b8db5b15 'Share CECOT segment, bypass censorship.' 2025-12-24 05:55:57 +00:00
Blog Creator 11fabfdb42 Add: CECOT report access details 2025-12-24 02:24:18 +00:00
Blog Creator 039f3c61a9 'Circumventing censorship, CECOT segment link.
'
2025-12-24 01:47:50 +00:00
Blog Creator e44731d1b7 'Add magnet link to censored report' 2025-12-23 22:45:34 +00:00
armistace 17255850d5 Merge pull request 'google_ai_is_rising' (#21) from google_ai_is_rising into master
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 32m46s
Reviewed-on: #21
2025-12-23 10:40:47 +10:00
armistace 7c9acbfe11 Add metadata
Add pelican Metadata
2025-12-23 10:40:19 +10:00
Blog Creator a988a834fe 'Google AI finally asserts dominance.
'
2025-12-23 00:32:33 +00:00
Blog Creator 0d50ccd2b5 'Add Gemini rise details and privacy concerns.' 2025-12-22 07:26:50 +00:00
Blog Creator 5984d3744d 'Google AI dominance now emerging' 2025-12-21 19:36:59 +00:00
armistace db16f32e33 quote unterminated
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 28m58s
2025-09-29 21:03:32 +10:00
armistace 77f87ce8b0 quote unterminated 2025-09-29 21:02:36 +10:00
armistace 088a4ddf4c lets just install trivy
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Failing after 21m2s
2025-09-29 20:06:33 +10:00
armistace fa4deafcc6 lets just install trivy 2025-09-29 20:06:03 +10:00
armistace 235661bc43 use master trivy
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Failing after 24m17s
2025-09-29 17:13:29 +10:00
armistace d2a36f6d99 add trivy scan to pipeline
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Failing after 22m24s
2025-09-29 16:27:19 +10:00
armistace ab23eec10b add some headings
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 27m26s
2025-09-17 16:57:24 +10:00
armistace fc16292a70 edits to provide slightly more context to the content
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 26m55s
2025-09-17 15:18:00 +10:00
armistace 65d6382db1 edits to provide slightly more context to the content
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Has been cancelled
2025-09-17 15:15:33 +10:00
armistace 03376a2a70 Merge pull request 'an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban' (#20) from an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban into master
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 24m26s
Reviewed-on: #20
2025-09-17 14:17:54 +10:00
armistace 7cc5d2fd01 human edits to make it run 2025-09-17 14:14:47 +10:00
Blog Creator e9ca7fcb79 'DNS solution for online safety' 2025-09-17 02:44:15 +00:00
Blog Creator d82db6e7b9 'DNS solution addresses social media ban.
'
2025-09-16 20:32:05 +00:00
Blog Creator 00c41dedac 'Legislation failed, DNS solution proposed.
'
2025-09-16 05:03:50 +00:00
armistace 982f28caf9 Merge pull request 'apple_the_anti_dev_platform' (#19) from apple_the_anti_dev_platform into master
Build and Push Image / Build and push image (push) Successful in 27m9s
Reviewed-on: #19
2025-08-28 14:33:29 +10:00
armistace 8338694aa1 Human edits and add the Pelican Headers 2025-08-28 14:33:05 +10:00
Blog Creator 38baef99a4 'Apple: Anti-dev platform rant published.
'
2025-08-28 04:11:42 +00:00
Blog Creator b5de1e3034 'Apple: Anti-dev platform frustration vented.
'
2025-08-28 01:45:34 +00:00
Blog Creator f14eb6d30c 'Apple: Developer platform, costly, restrictive, obsolete.
'
2025-08-26 20:36:56 +00:00
Blog Creator 303b45d3c7 'Apple: Anti-dev platform critique posted' 2025-08-25 20:43:16 +00:00
Blog Creator 8b71613825 'Apple: dev platform is awful.
'
2025-08-24 20:03:48 +00:00
Blog Creator 4334021265 'Apple: Dev platform, utter garbage.' 2025-08-23 20:16:43 +00:00
Blog Creator 0b06011723 'Apple: anti-dev, costly, frustrating, toxic.
'
2025-08-22 20:17:42 +00:00
Blog Creator 3feaa30320 'Fix: Apple dev experience awful' 2025-08-21 20:50:26 +00:00
Blog Creator 8daacabe5b 'Apple dev platform: utter garbage.' 2025-08-20 20:14:39 +00:00
Blog Creator 270937f02a 'Apple: Anti-dev platform rant committed.' 2025-08-20 03:19:28 +00:00
8 changed files with 261 additions and 51 deletions
+62 -51
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@@ -1,61 +1,72 @@
name: Build and Push Image
on:
push:
branches:
- master
push:
branches:
- master
jobs:
build:
name: Build and push image
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
container: catthehacker/ubuntu:act-latest
if: gitea.ref == 'refs/heads/master'
build:
name: Build and push image
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
container: catthehacker/ubuntu:act-latest
if: gitea.ref == 'refs/heads/master'
steps:
- name: Checkout
uses: actions/checkout@v4
steps:
- name: Checkout
uses: actions/checkout@v4
- name: Create Kubeconfig
run: |
mkdir $HOME/.kube
echo "${{ secrets.KUBEC_CONFIG_BUILDX_NEW }}" > $HOME/.kube/config
- name: Create Kubeconfig
run: |
mkdir $HOME/.kube
echo "${{ secrets.KUBEC_CONFIG_BUILDX_NEW }}" > $HOME/.kube/config
- name: Set up Docker Buildx
uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v3
with:
driver: kubernetes
driver-opts: |
namespace=gitea-runner
qemu.install=true
- name: Set up Docker Buildx
uses: docker/setup-buildx-action@v3
with:
driver: kubernetes
driver-opts: |
namespace=gitea-runner
qemu.install=true
- name: Login to Docker Registry
uses: docker/login-action@v3
with:
registry: git.aridgwayweb.com
username: armistace
password: ${{ secrets.REG_PASSWORD }}
- name: Login to Docker Registry
uses: docker/login-action@v3
with:
registry: git.aridgwayweb.com
username: armistace
password: ${{ secrets.REG_PASSWORD }}
- name: Build and push
uses: docker/build-push-action@v5
with:
context: .
push: true
platforms: linux/amd64,linux/arm64
tags: |
git.aridgwayweb.com/armistace/blog:latest
- name: Build and push
uses: docker/build-push-action@v5
with:
context: .
push: true
platforms: linux/amd64,linux/arm64
tags: |
git.aridgwayweb.com/armistace/blog:latest
- name: Deploy
run: |
echo "Installing Kubectl"
apt-get update
apt-get install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg
curl -fsSL https://pkgs.k8s.io/core:/stable:/v1.33/deb/Release.key | gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg
chmod 644 /etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg
echo 'deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg] https://pkgs.k8s.io/core:/stable:/v1.33/deb/ /' | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/kubernetes.list
chmod 644 /etc/apt/sources.list.d/kubernetes.list
apt-get update
apt-get install kubectl
kubectl delete namespace blog
kubectl create namespace blog
kubectl create secret docker-registry regcred --docker-server=${{ vars.DOCKER_SERVER }} --docker-username=${{ vars.DOCKER_USERNAME }} --docker-password='${{ secrets.DOCKER_PASSWORD }}' --docker-email=${{ vars.DOCKER_EMAIL }} --namespace=blog
kubectl apply -f kube/blog_pod.yaml && kubectl apply -f kube/blog_deployment.yaml && kubectl apply -f kube/blog_service.yaml
- name: Trivy Scan
run: |
echo "Installing Trivy "
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install wget apt-transport-https gnupg lsb-release
wget -qO - https://aquasecurity.github.io/trivy-repo/deb/public.key | sudo apt-key add -
echo deb https://aquasecurity.github.io/trivy-repo/deb $(lsb_release -sc) main | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/trivy.list
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install trivy
trivy image --format table --exit-code 1 --ignore-unfixed --vuln-type os,library --severity HIGH,CRITICAL git.aridgwayweb.com/armistace/blog:latest
- name: Deploy
run: |
echo "Installing Kubectl"
apt-get update
apt-get install -y apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg
curl -fsSL https://pkgs.k8s.io/core:/stable:/v1.33/deb/Release.key | gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg
chmod 644 /etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg
echo 'deb [signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/kubernetes-apt-keyring.gpg] https://pkgs.k8s.io/core:/stable:/v1.33/deb/ /' | tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/kubernetes.list
chmod 644 /etc/apt/sources.list.d/kubernetes.list
apt-get update
apt-get install kubectl
kubectl delete namespace blog
kubectl create namespace blog
kubectl create secret docker-registry regcred --docker-server=${{ vars.DOCKER_SERVER }} --docker-username=${{ vars.DOCKER_USERNAME }} --docker-password='${{ secrets.DOCKER_PASSWORD }}' --docker-email=${{ vars.DOCKER_EMAIL }} --namespace=blog
kubectl apply -f kube/blog_pod.yaml && kubectl apply -f kube/blog_deployment.yaml && kubectl apply -f kube/blog_service.yaml
+22
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@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
[core]
repositoryformatversion = 0
filemode = true
bare = false
logallrefupdates = true
[remote "origin"]
url = gitea@192.168.178.155:armistace/blog.git
fetch = +refs/heads/*:refs/remotes/origin/*
[branch "master"]
remote = origin
merge = refs/heads/master
[branch "kube_deployment"]
remote = origin
merge = refs/heads/kube_deployment
[branch "when_to_use_ai"]
remote = origin
merge = refs/heads/when_to_use_ai
[pull]
rebase = false
[branch "an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban"]
remote = origin
merge = refs/heads/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
Title: An Actual Solution to the Social Media Ban
Date: 2025-09-16 20:00
Modified: 2025-09-17 20:00
Category: Politics
Tags: politics, social meda, tech policy
Slug: actual-social-media-solution
Authors: Andrew Ridgway
Summary: The Social Media ban is an abject failure of policy. I propose an actual technical solution that addresses the issues raised by the legislation and also ensures user privacy and data security through an opt in solution.
## The Toothless Legislation
The Australian Government recently announced it would be “watering down” the requirements of the upcoming legislation regarding online safety. The irony isn’t lost on anyone observing the situation. Specifically, the planned mandatory minimum “flag rate” for underage detection technology has been dropped – a clear indication that initial testing proved unachievable. Furthermore, the legislation now only requires tech companies to demonstrate “reasonable steps” to remove children from their platforms.
Let’s be frank: this legislation, as it stands, achieves very little. Experts in the field consistently warned that the proposed age verification approach was flawed and ignored industry input. The result? Parents are arguably in a worse position than before. The focus on punitive measures, rather than practical solutions, has been a misstep, and the relentless pursuit of this agenda by the eSafety Commissioner feels increasingly disconnected from reality.
It’s important to state that criticism of this legislation isn’t an endorsement of big tech, in fact I’m actively working to reduce my own reliance on these platforms. It is about the Australian Government overreaching in an area where it lacks the necessary expertise and, frankly, the authority. The driving force behind this appears to be a personal vendetta, fuelled by someone unfamiliar with the fundamental principles of how the internet operates.
So, with the current legislation effectively neutered, what *can* the government do to genuinely help parents navigate the challenges of online safety? I believe there’s a technically feasible solution that doesn’t involve trampling on privacy or creating massive security vulnerabilities.
The answer lies in a system we’ve been using for decades: the Domain Name System (DNS). Simply put, DNS translates human-readable URLs like [https://blog.aridgwayweb.com](https://blog.aridgwayweb.com) into the corresponding IP address (e.g., x.x.x.x). It’s a foundational component of the internet, and while seemingly simple, it’s incredibly powerful.
## What is DNS?
Most people rely on the DNS provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the manufacturer of their router. However, it’s possible to change this setting. Popular alternatives include Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, Google’s 8.8.8.8, and paid family-friendly options like OpenDNS. For those with more technical expertise, it’s even possible to run your own DNS server – I personally use Pi-hole to block ads at the network level.
This existing infrastructure offers a unique opportunity. The Chinese government has long leveraged DNS as part of its “Great Firewall,” demonstrating its capability for large-scale internet censorship and control. While that application raises obvious concerns, the underlying technology itself isn’t inherently malicious and is a good fit for the purposes of *opt in* age verification.
<img alt="Current DNS" height="auto" width="100%" src="{attach}/images/dns_currently.png">
## How can we leverage DNS for age verification?
My proposal is straightforward: the Australian Government could establish a large-scale DNS server within the Communications Department. This server could be configured to redirect requests to specific websites – like Facebook or TikTok – to an internal service that requires some form of authentication or identity verification. Once verified, the request would then be forwarded to the correct IP address.
<img alt="Optional Government DNS" height="auto" width="100%" src="{attach}/images/optional_gov_dns.png">
This DNS server could be *optionally* configured on any router, with ISPs assisting less technically inclined customers. The result? Access to certain websites from that router would require passing through the government’s age verification process.
The authentication could be managed by an adult in the household, providing a valid identity document to receive some form of auth mechanism (password? passkey? authenticator?) to allow the user to continue to their 'restricted' website.
Mobile phones could also have the internal DNS updated by manufacturers to incorporate this DNS setting.
This would allow for the creation of “Government-certified” or “Family-Friendly” devices – routers or phones pre-configured with this DNS server – ensuring a consistent level of online safety as defined by the Australian Government. These devices could be subsidised by the government to ensure accessibility for all families.
Crucially, this system is optional. Individuals who prefer to manage their own online security – as I do – would remain unaffected. However, for parents who lack the technical skills or desire to implement their own solutions, this offers a practical and effective alternative to managing their child’s online safety.
This approach also avoids the need to collect and store sensitive identity data offshore. No tech company needs to be involved in the verification process, and the skills to build and maintain this system already exist within the Australian public service.
Furthermore, the eSafety Commissioner could easily update the list of websites subject to verification, providing a flexible and responsive system. It wouldn’t cover the entire internet, of course, but it would provide a valuable safety net for those who need it.
## Where to from here?
Now that the government has acknowledged the shortcomings of its initial approach, it’s time to explore real solutions. A government-run, family-friendly DNS system that routes certain domain names to a verification process is a solid starting point for a genuinely effective technical solution to help families navigate the online world.
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
Title: Apple And The Anti-Dev Platform
Date: 2025-08-28 20:00
Modified: 2025-08-28 20:00
Category: Tech, Software, Apple
Tags: Tech, Software, Apple
Slug: apple-anti-dev
Authors: Andrew Ridgway
Summary: Apples requirements for developers are onerous, I detail some of the frustrations I've had whilst dealing with the platform to deploy a small app as part of my day job
## Introduction: Why I Hate Loving to Hate Apple
This week, I found myself in the unenviable position of using MacOS for work. It was like revisiting an old flame only to realize they’ve become *that* person—still attractive from afar, but toxic up close. Let me clarify: I’m not anti-Apple per se. I appreciate their design aesthetic as much as anyone. But when you’re a developer, especially one with a penchant for Linux and a deep love for open-source, Apple’s ecosystem feels like walking into a store where the sign says "Employee Discounts" but they charge you double for the privilege.
## 1. The Hardware-Software Tie-In: Why Buy New Every Year?
Let’s talk about my borrowed MacBook from 2020. It was a kind gesture, right? But here’s the kicker: this machine, which was cutting-edge just five years ago, is now deemed too old to run the latest MacOS. I needed Xcode for a project, and guess what? You can’t run the latest version of Xcode without the latest MacOS. So, to paraphrase: "Sorry, but your device isn’t *new enough* to develop on the Apple platform anymore." This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a deliberate strategy to force upgrades. It’s like buying a car that requires you to upgrade your entire garage every year just to keep it running.
## 2. Forced Obsolescence: The New "Upgrade" Cycle
Yes, Microsoft did the whole TPM 2.0 thing with Windows 11. But Apple takes it to another level. They’ve turned hardware into a subscription model without you even realizing it. You buy a device, and within a few years, it’s obsolete for their latest software and tools. This isn’t about security or innovation—it’s about control. Why release an operating system that only works on devices sold in the last 12 months? It creates a false market for "new" hardware, padding Apple’s margins at the expense of developers and users.
## 3. High Costs: The Developer Fee That Keeps On Giving
I honestly believe this actually boils down to money? To develop on Apple’s platform, you need an Apple Developer account. This costs $150 AUD a year. Now, if I were to buy a new MacBook Pro today, that would set me back around $2,500 AUD. And for what? The privilege of being able to build apps on my own device? It’s like paying a toll every year just to use the road you already own. It’s enough to make you consider a career change and become a sheep farmer.
## 4. Lack of Freedom: Who Owns the Device Anyway?
Here’s where it gets really egregious: Apple’s developer review process. It’s like being subjected to a TSA pat-down every time you want to build something, even if it's just for your own device. To deploy ANYTHING onto an IOS device I need to hand my Government issued license over to Apple and let them "check I'm a real person". And no this isn't just for the app store deployments, which I can understand. This is for any deployment, it's the only way to get a certificate to cross sign on the app and device... Google might be heading down a similar path, but at least you'll be able to on custom Android ROmS. On Apple, it feels like every step is designed to remind you that you’re dancing in their sandbox—and they call the shots. If you use IOS you have to dance to their tune AT ALL TIMES.
## 5. The "Apple Tax": A Future Job Requirement
I think all developers and consultants should demand an "Apple Tax." It will be simple:
* $5,000 AUD for new Apple hardware.
* An additional 25% markup on development hours spent navigating Apple’s ecosystem.
Why? Because it's time developers passed on these costs to the users. It's time to make this hurt the consumers who insist on using these products with predatory business models for developers. Yes, developers go where the market is, but it's time to start charging that market so it understands the true cost to be there.
## Conclusion: Why I’ll Keep Hating Loving to Hate Apple
Apple’s ecosystem feels like a love story gone wrong—a relationship where one party keeps raising the stakes just to remind you of how much they control everything. Developers are supposed to be the disruptors, the rebels who challenge the status quo. But when your tools are designed to keep you tethered to a specific platform and its outdated business model, it feels less like innovation and more like indentured servitude. If you’re still enamored with Apple’s ecosystem and think it’s “just part of the game,” I urge you to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Because if this is your idea of progress, we’re all in trouble.
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Title: Google AI is Rising
Date: 2025-12-21 20:00
Modified: 2025-12-23 10:00
Category: AI
Tags: AI, Google, Tech
Slug: google-ai-is-rising
Authors: Andrew Ridgway
Summary: After a period of seeming hesitation, one tech giant is now a serious contender in the AI race. Leveraging its massive and uniquely personal datasets – gleaned from widely used services like search, email, and calendars – it’s releasing models that are quickly challenging existing benchmarks. This arrival is significant, creating a more competitive landscape and potentially pushing innovation forward. However, it also highlights crucial privacy concerns given the depth of data access. The company’s recent open-source contributions suggest a multifaceted approach, but users should be mindful of data control and consider diversifying their digital footprint.
# Google AI is Rising
The landscape of Artificial Intelligence is shifting, and a familiar name is finally asserting its dominance. For a while there, it felt like Google was… well, lagging. Given the sheer volume of data at its disposal, it was a surprise to many that they weren’t leading the charge in Large Language Models (LLMs). But the moment appears to have arrived. Google seems to have navigated its internal complexities and is now delivering models that are genuinely competitive, and in some cases, surpassing the current benchmarks.
The key to understanding Google’s potential lies in the data they’ve accumulated. Consider the services we willingly integrate into our daily lives: email through Gmail, scheduling with Google Calendar, advertising interactions, and of course, the ubiquitous Google Search. Crucially, we provide this data willingly, often tied to a single Google account. This isn’t just a large dataset; it’s a *targeted* dataset, offering an unprecedented level of insight into individual behaviours and preferences.
This data advantage is now manifesting in the performance of Gemini, Google’s latest LLM. Recent discussions within the tech community – on platforms like [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46301851) and [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/singularity/comments/1p8sd2g/experiences_with_chatgpt51_vs_gemini_3_pro/) and [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/GeminiAI/comments/1p953al/gemini_seems_to_officially_be_better_than_chatgpt/) – suggest Gemini is rapidly gaining ground, and in some instances, exceeding the capabilities of established models.
Google’s history is one of immense scale and profitability, exceeding the GDP of many nations. This success, however, has inevitably led to the creation of large, protective bureaucracies. While necessary for safeguarding revenue streams, these structures can stifle innovation and slow down decision-making. Ideas often have to navigate multiple layers of management, sometimes overseen by individuals whose expertise lies in business administration rather than the intricacies of neural networks and algorithmic functions.
The arrival of a truly competitive Google model is a significant development. OpenAI, previously considered the frontrunner, now faces a formidable challenge. Furthermore, Anthropic is gaining traction amongst developers, with many preferring their models for coding assistance. This shift suggests a growing demand for tools tailored to specific professional needs.
It’s important to acknowledge that neither Google nor OpenAI are inherently benevolent entities. However, with Google now fully engaged in the LLM race, the potential implications are considerable. Gemini’s access to deeply personal data – email content, calendar events, even metadata – raises legitimate privacy concerns. It’s a sobering thought to consider the extent of data visibility Google possesses, particularly when we don’t directly own the services we use. This reality strengthens the argument for greater data control and the exploration of self-hosted alternatives.
Google’s commitment to open-source initiatives, demonstrated through the release of the Gemma models (which, incidentally, powered the creation of this very blog), signals a broader strategy. The technology is here, it’s evolving rapidly, and its influence will only continue to grow.
While complete resistance may be unrealistic, individuals can take steps to mitigate potential risks. Fragmenting your data across different services, diversifying email providers, and avoiding single sign-on (SSO) with Google are all proactive measures that can help reclaim a sense of control. (Though, let’s be honest, anyone still using Chrome is already operating within a highly monitored ecosystem.)
The future of AI is unfolding quickly, and Google is now a major player. It’s a development that warrants careful consideration, and a renewed focus on data privacy and digital autonomy.
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## Magnet Link to the US 60 Minute Segment on CECOT
Recent reports indicate significant obstruction surrounding a 60 Minutes segment focusing on CECOT (Centro de Confinamiento de Terroristas), a mega-prison in El Salvador. Access to archived versions of the broadcast within the United States is proving increasingly difficult, with claims of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown requests originating from the White House hindering public access. This situation raises serious concerns about censorship and the free flow of information.
This blog post serves as a means to share a functional magnet link, allowing individuals to access and distribute the segment, particularly in solidarity with those facing restricted access. The segment originally aired on Global TV in Canada, providing a source for preservation and dissemination.
The 60 Minutes report investigates the conditions within CECOT, a facility built to house thousands of alleged gang members as part of President Bukele’s state of exception. The segment’s suppression in the US is particularly troubling, given the public’s right to know about human rights concerns and the realities of penal systems abroad. Several news outlets have covered the controversy surrounding the segment, offering context to the situation.
You can find reporting on this matter at:
* [USAToday](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/12/22/cbs-60-minutes-cecot-pulled-el-salvador/87880651007/)
* [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbs-60-minutes-report-el-salvador-cecot-9.7024840)
* [HuffPost](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cbs-news-60-minutes-cecot-prison_n_69488892e4b099a75cbd3755)
The reported reasons for the suppression – allegedly stemming from pressure related to the current administration – are deeply concerning. A free press is a cornerstone of any democracy, and attempts to stifle investigative journalism should be met with resistance. The rejection of a potential bid by Warner Bros. to acquire CBS/Paramount is a positive sign, suggesting a commitment to maintaining editorial independence. The last thing we need is another media outlet acting as a simple mouthpiece for any administration, regardless of political leaning.
**Accessing the Segment:**
For those interested in viewing the 60 Minutes segment, a magnet link is provided below. This allows you to download the content via a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, utilizing a BitTorrent client.
**Magnet Link:**
`magnet:?xt=urn:btih:734abc77f48d11c78543c52004b6f57db71d6d92&dn=60minutes-cecotsegment&xl=1483256352&tr=http%3A%2F%2Fbt1.archive.org%3A6969%2Fannounce&tr=http%3A%2F%2Fbt2.archive.org%3A6969%2Fannounce&ws=http://ia601703.us.archive.org/32/items/&ws=http://ia801703.us.archive.org/32/items/&ws=https://archive.org/download/`
**How to Use a Magnet Link:**
1. **Install a BitTorrent Client:** If you don't already have one, download and install a BitTorrent client. [Transmission](https://transmissionbt.com/) is a popular, open-source option, but others like qBittorrent or Deluge are also available.
2. **Open the Magnet Link:** Click on the magnet link provided above. Your BitTorrent client should automatically open and begin downloading the segment.
3. **Seeding:** After the download completes, please consider leaving the torrent "seeding" for a period. Seeding means allowing others to download the file from *your* computer, which helps to maintain the availability of the content for everyone. The more seeders, the faster and more reliably the segment can be accessed.
**A Note on Digital Preservation & Access**
The situation surrounding the CECOT segment highlights the fragility of access to information in the digital age. While streaming services and on-demand platforms offer convenience, they also create a central point of control. Decentralized methods like BitTorrent, while sometimes perceived negatively, can play a vital role in preserving and distributing information when traditional channels are blocked or censored.
This isn’t about advocating for illegal activity; it’s about ensuring that important journalistic investigations remain accessible to the public, particularly when facing deliberate obstruction. The ability to independently verify information and form informed opinions is crucial, and we must actively defend against attempts to limit that ability.
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**Developer/Expert Commentary (Integrated into the above text - no separate sections)**
*(The following represents the essence of contributions from four individuals, woven into the narrative above. Direct quotes have been avoided, and the tone has been adjusted for a consistent, professional voice.)*
* **Data Expert 1 (Focus: Censorship & DMCA):** The initial alert regarding the DMCA takedowns prompted a deeper look into the patterns of censorship. The speed and coordinated nature of the requests suggest a deliberate effort to suppress the segment, rather than a routine copyright claim. The reliance on legal mechanisms to silence reporting is a worrying trend.
* **Software Developer 1 (Focus: P2P Networks & Magnet Links):** Magnet links are a robust and efficient way to share files, particularly when facing censorship. They don't rely on a central server, making them difficult to shut down. The use of the Archive.org trackers in the link adds another layer of resilience.
* **Data Expert 2 (Focus: Media Landscape & Ownership):** The potential acquisition of CBS/Paramount raised concerns about further consolidation of media ownership. Maintaining diverse voices and independent reporting is essential for a healthy democracy. The Warner Bros. rejection was a positive development in this context.
* **Software Developer 2 (Focus: BitTorrent Technology & Seeding):** The effectiveness of BitTorrent relies on the participation of users. Seeding is crucial for maintaining the availability of content. Even a small amount of seeding can make a significant difference. The technology is surprisingly resilient and can withstand considerable pressure.