Re: <nettime> Algorithmic / Biometric Governmentality

[charlie derr <cderr@simons-rock.edu>]

On 11/02/2017 02:00 PM, Vincent Van Uffelen wrote:
> Hmm, their team is a prime example of white, male, and non-diverse
> "singularity".
>
> Are blockchain ICOs really spreading the control and wealth to the
> many? It's difficult to know, but considering the hurdles that have to
> be crossed to be able to gain access to the blockchain (to have
> internet access, a credit card or bank account, the knowledge and
> desire, and the money to invest) the vast majority of wealth generated
> went most likely into the pockets of the global top 2%. I've my doubt
> that much of this will start trickling down.
>
> If the COIN has not the tackling of problems to the greater good in it
> genes, pardon me contracts, it will most likely not happen. Of course
> the platforms in creation could be very helpful (as Facebook is for
> many NGOs) but I don't have hope that the free coin markets will steer
> things into better places than the free financial markets did.
>
> \\vincent

Vincent,

Your first point is well taken. I try to keep my eyes open to these
things whenever I can, but apparently the fact that I am myself a white
male helped to blind me to the reality you pointed out in this respect.
While I'm aware of women and PoC playing roles in the project, it is
definitely a fact that the founders all appear to be white men (albeit
from a diverse collection of geographical locations). Thank you very
much for bringing this to my attention (and shame on me for not
realizing it on my own).

I don't disagree with your contention about existing ICO blockchains
having a limited effect so far (and most of the benefit being directed
to those who already have the most agency in our societies). But as I
understand the goals of the singularityNET project, I don't see it
operating in that same space. Their aim appears to be to build a
structure that will support individuals who would otherwise be without
the resources to compete with the larger players in the AI universe
(which is the original point you were making that I specifically
responded to). Yes it's true that internet connectivity will be
necessary in order to participate but I have hope that the expressed
goals of the project to provide access and opportunity to folks with
limited means around the world are based on the core values of the
founders rather than being window-dressing cynically used for marketing
purposes. They are certainly seeking investors with deep pockets to help
facilitate the effort but if it succeeds, I think it will provide a
great opportunity for individuals (and groups) with great ideas (in
terms of AI algorithms of potential use to us all) but minimal financial
resources.

The promise that blockchain technology holds in terms of providing
verifiability and transparency as well as it naturally fitting in with
operating in a decentralized way is what excites me about it. The fact
that it originated in the realm of crytocurrency doesn't (in my mind)
condemn it to only ever being used in that arena. While the
singularityNET folks are incorporating a token into their platform, I
don't see it primarily as a cryptocurrency effort. Their stated intent
to open source all their code and the goal to provide an avenue for AI
researchers to gain access to a global market puts them in another (new)
realm (in my opinion).

    be well,
        ~c

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