Grumpy Old Geeks: Episode 689 - "What Would Dave Do?"

Release Date: March 21, 2025

In Episode 689 of Grumpy Old Geeks, hosts Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister, alongside guest Dave Bittner, delve into a myriad of tech-related controversies, industry mishaps, and personal anecdotes, all delivered with their characteristic grumpiness and unfiltered humor.

1. AI-Driven Exploits and Ethical Quandaries

AI Influencers with Down Syndrome Selling Nudes

The episode kicks off with a disturbing report about a network of Instagram accounts utilizing AI to create fake influencers, specifically altering images to depict individuals with Down Syndrome. These accounts then direct followers to adult content platforms, effectively exploiting both AI technology and vulnerable representations.

• Jason DeFilippo [00:22]: "It's all part of a despicable new industry called AI pimping."

Meta's Llama 3 and the Pirated Books Dilemma

The hosts explore Meta's development of the Llama 3 AI model, highlighting the ethical challenges of sourcing training data. Despite attempts to license content, Meta's reluctance due to high costs and slow processes led them to rely heavily on pirated libraries like Library Genesis, housing over 7.5 million books and 81 million research papers.

• Brian Schulmeister [22:37]: "They take like four plus weeks to deliver data."

2. Declining Human Intelligence Metrics

Recent studies from the University of Michigan and international PISA tests indicate a sharp decline in concentration, problem-solving, and reasoning skills across all age groups. The hosts express skepticism about societal progress, emphasizing the dangers of a populace less capable of critical thinking.

• Jason DeFilippo [03:08]: "A society that can't think critically or do basic math isn't just annoying, Brian, it's dangerous."

3. Tesla's Self-Driving Controversies and Cybertruck Recall

Critique of Tesla's Lidar-Free Approach

Highlighting Mark Rober's experiment to challenge Tesla's camera-based self-driving system against a lidar-equipped vehicle, the hosts reaffirm their long-standing criticism of Tesla's technological choices.

• Jason DeFilippo [05:15]: "A lot of them. So this guy has a bigger budget than we do."

Massive Cybertruck Recall

Tesla faces a significant recall of over 46,000 Cybertrucks due to safety issues related to improperly adhered exterior trim panels that risk detaching during operation.

• Brian Schulmeister [07:22]: "Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 cybertrucks due to a potential safety issue."

4. Government Surveillance and Cybersecurity Issues

ICE's Shadow Dragon Tool

A contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has developed "Shadow Dragon," a tool that aggregates data from over 200 sites, including social networks and adult platforms, to monitor individuals' activities. This development coincides with heightened efforts to deport prominent activists and scan social media for visa holders potentially supporting designated terror groups.

• Brian Schulmeister [14:37]: "A contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement ice, which has been in the news an awful lot lately..."

CISA's Urgent Workforce Reinstatement

Following a federal judge's ruling, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is scrambling to reinstate over 130 cybersecurity workers unlawfully dismissed by the previous administration, revealing significant administrative oversights.

• Brian Schulmeister [16:13]: "CISA is now Urgently trying to contact those affected, but admits it doesn't have full records of who was fired."

5. OpenAI vs. Elon Musk Legal Battle

Court Rejects Musk's Claims Against OpenAI

Elon Musk's latest legal attempt to hinder OpenAI through a preliminary injunction has been dismissed. The lawsuit, stemming from Musk's failed effort to merge OpenAI's for-profit arm with Tesla, illustrates ongoing tensions in the AI industry.

• Jason DeFilippo [20:34]: "The courts are smelling what the Elon is cooking and they're saying we ain't having it."

OpenAI's Defense of Fair Use in AI Training

OpenAI argues that AI models trained on copyrighted works fall under fair use, essential for maintaining U.S. national security and technological supremacy. Critics, however, fear that such justifications could erode creators' control over their intellectual property.

• Jason DeFilippo [26:03]: "It's a very simple premise here, guys. Your AI is illegal, period."

6. Regulatory Challenges in AI Development

California Assembly Bill 412

California is debating AB-412, which mandates AI developers to identify every copyrighted work used in training their models. While seemingly protective of creators' rights, the bill poses significant compliance burdens for small developers, potentially stifling innovation and favoring big tech.

• Brian Schulmeister [25:17]: "It's a death sentence for small developers."

OpenAI's Push for Federal Protection

OpenAI is advocating for federal legislation that would recognize AI training on copyrighted material as fair use, arguing it is critical for maintaining U.S. dominance over competitors like China.

• Jason DeFilippo [26:03]: "Corporate AI giants have already lost control... your AI is illegal, period."

7. BYD's Advanced EV Platform in China

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD unveiled its "Super E" 1000-volt platform, claiming a remarkable 12-mile range addition in just 10 seconds of charging. While this innovation surpasses Tesla's charging speed, it's currently limited to two new models and confined to the Chinese market.

• Jason DeFilippo [27:28]: "Except the problem with that is it's just the same billionaires Bezos is working up for his Amazon, you know, penis rocket, space Internet thing."

8. Media and Entertainment Insights

Review of 'White Trash Wins Lotto'

The hosts commend the musical "White Trash Wins Lotto," praising its humor and creativity. They recommend an interview with the writer, Andy Preiboy, for listeners interested in the show's development.

• Brian Schulmeister [29:32]: "And if you haven't heard the musical yet, there's a link in the show notes if you want a good chuckle."

Streaming Service Updates and Show Reviews

Discussions include Spotify’s new feature for custom playlists highlighting local concerts, the latest trailer for the "Ballerina" movie starring Anna de Armas, and critiques of TV shows like "Mythic Quest," "White Lotus," and "Daredevil." The hosts express growing fatigue with prolonged TV series and the removal of classic content from platforms like Max.

9. Tech Hardware and Personal Anecdotes

High-End Seneca Keyboard

The hosts examine the Seneca, an ultra-premium keyboard priced at $3,600, mocking its exorbitant cost and questioning its practical use compared to standard keyboards.

• Brian Schulmeister [63:36]: "I would like to point out here, the gentle sound of the Seneca is often likened to raindrops."

Personal Story: Emergency Dog Surgery

Jason shares a heartfelt story about his son's dog, Griswold, undergoing expensive emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage. The conversation highlights the high costs associated with veterinary care and the emotional stress it brings.

• Jason DeFilippo [72:17]: "It's a Seneca and a half. $5,000?"

10. Supporting the Show and Listener Engagement

The hosts acknowledge and thank their Patreon supporters, encouraging listeners to contribute to keep the show running. They also mention their presence on Discord for community interaction and promote their merchandise available at shop.gogshow.

Notable Quotes

• Jason DeFilippo [02:22]: "It's all part of a despicable new industry called AI pimping."

• Brian Schulmeister [07:22]: "Tesla is recalling more than 46,000 cybertrucks due to a potential safety issue."

• Jason DeFilippo [20:34]: "The courts are smelling what the Elon is cooking and they're saying we ain't having it."

• Brian Schulmeister [25:17]: "It's a death sentence for small developers."

Conclusion

Episode 689 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a comprehensive and critical look at current tech issues, blending serious discussions with the show's trademark humor and candid commentary. From the ethical implications of AI advancements to the faltering strategies of major tech companies, Jason and Brian provide listeners with a thought-provoking and entertaining analysis of the tech world’s gyrations.

For more insights and to join the grumpy conversation, visit GOG Show and consider supporting them on Patreon.