2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
<!DOCTYPE html>
< html
lang="en"
dir="ltr"
class="scroll-smooth"
data-default-appearance="light"
data-auto-appearance="true"
>< head >
< meta charset = "utf-8" / >
< meta http-equiv = "content-language" content = "en" / >
< meta name = "viewport" content = "width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" / >
< meta name = "theme-color" content = "rgb(255,255,255)" / >
< meta http-equiv = "X-UA-Compatible" content = "ie=edge" / >
2023-07-01 10:33:23 +00:00
< title > On technology · > mv_< / title >
< meta name = "title" content = "On technology · >mv_" / >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< meta name = "description" content = "On enabling useless and potentially harmful technology for the sake of looking cool." / >
< link rel = "canonical" href = "/archives/2023-07-01/" / >
< link
type="text/css"
rel="stylesheet"
href="/css/main.bundle.min.17fc506b1c26b1bbc9a782ffffc510d9ecbfef39adb801fd6c673c614f713ffe.css"
integrity="sha256-F/xQaxwmsbvJp4L//8UQ2ey/7zmtuAH9bGc8YU9xP/4="
/>
< script type = "text/javascript" src = "/js/appearance.min.022d0ebc3b46a335eb1c7ef79b7f2de143d7cd5156d433638592ef1ce5f8554e.js" integrity = "sha256-Ai0OvDtGozXrHH73m38t4UPXzVFW1DNjhZLvHOX4VU4=" > < / script >
< script defer type = "text/javascript" id = "script-bundle" src = "/js/main.bundle.min.75206d23ef83f4908b2bdd2317bf6ddff399e9173a16fff5451c40b8e857cfa8.js" integrity = "sha256-dSBtI++D9JCLK90jF79t3/OZ6Rc6Fv/1RRxAuOhXz6g=" data-copy = "Copy" data-copied = "Copied" > < / script >
< link rel = "apple-touch-icon" sizes = "180x180" href = "/apple-touch-icon.png" / >
< link rel = "icon" type = "image/png" sizes = "32x32" href = "/favicon-32x32.png" / >
< link rel = "icon" type = "image/png" sizes = "16x16" href = "/favicon-16x16.png" / >
< link rel = "manifest" href = "/site.webmanifest" / >
< meta property = "og:title" content = "On technology" / >
< meta property = "og:description" content = "On enabling useless and potentially harmful technology for the sake of looking cool." / >
< meta property = "og:type" content = "article" / >
< meta property = "og:url" content = "/archives/2023-07-01/" / > < meta property = "article:section" content = "archives" / >
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
< meta property = "article:published_time" content = "2023-07-01T00:00:00+07:00" / >
< meta property = "article:modified_time" content = "2023-07-01T00:00:00+07:00" / >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< meta name = "twitter:card" content = "summary" / >
< meta name = "twitter:title" content = "On technology" / >
< meta name = "twitter:description" content = "On enabling useless and potentially harmful technology for the sake of looking cool." / >
< script type = "application/ld+json" >
[{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"articleSection": "Archives",
"name": "On technology",
"headline": "On technology",
"description": "On enabling useless and potentially harmful technology for the sake of looking cool.",
"abstract": "Fingerprinting as fashion. On enabling useless and potentially harmful technology for the sake of looking cool.",
"inLanguage": "en",
"url" : "\/archives\/2023-07-01\/",
"author" : {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Marcel Ventosa"
},
"copyrightYear": "2023",
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
"dateCreated": "2023-07-01T00:00:00\u002b07:00",
"datePublished": "2023-07-01T00:00:00\u002b07:00",
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
"dateModified": "2023-07-01T00:00:00\u002b07:00",
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
"keywords": ["technology","dystopia"],
"mainEntityOfPage": "true",
2023-07-11 14:30:28 +00:00
"wordCount": "740"
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
}]
< / script >
< meta name = "author" content = "Marcel Ventosa" / >
< link href = "mailto:marcel@vegancambodia.com" rel = "me" / >
< link href = "https://vegancambodia.com" rel = "me" / >
< / head >
< body
class="flex flex-col h-screen px-6 m-auto text-lg leading-7 max-w-7xl bg-neutral text-neutral-900 dark:bg-neutral-800 dark:text-neutral sm:px-14 md:px-24 lg:px-32"
>
< div id = "the-top" class = "absolute flex self-center" >
< a
class="px-3 py-1 text-sm -translate-y-8 rounded-b-lg bg-primary-200 focus:translate-y-0 dark:bg-neutral-600"
href="#main-content"
>< span class = "font-bold pe-2 text-primary-600 dark:text-primary-400" > ↓ < /span
>Skip to main content< /a
>
< / div >
< header class = "py-6 font-semibold text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral print:hidden sm:py-10" >
< nav class = "flex items-start justify-between sm:items-center" >
< div class = "flex flex-row items-center" >
< a href = "/" class = "mr-2" >
< img
src="/img/mv-logo.png"
width="79"
height="37"
class="max-h-[10rem] max-w-[10rem] object-scale-down object-left"
2023-07-01 10:33:23 +00:00
alt="> mv_"
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
loading="lazy"
/>
< / a >
< / div >
< ul class = "flex list-none flex-col ltr:text-right rtl:text-left sm:flex-row" >
< li class = "group mb-1 sm:mb-0 sm:me-7 sm:last:me-0.5" >
< a
2023-07-03 01:26:23 +00:00
href="/about/"
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
title=""
>< span
class="decoration-primary-500 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-2 group-hover:underline-offset-2"
>About< /span
>
< /a
>
< / li >
< li class = "group mb-1 sm:mb-0 sm:me-7 sm:last:me-0.5" >
< a
href="/archives/"
title="Archives"
>< span
class="decoration-primary-500 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-2 group-hover:underline-offset-2"
>Archives< /span
>
< /a
>
< / li >
< li class = "group mb-1 sm:mb-0 sm:me-7 sm:last:me-0.5" >
< a
href="/categories/"
title="Categories"
>< span
class="decoration-primary-500 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-2 group-hover:underline-offset-2"
>Categories< /span
>
< /a
>
< / li >
< li class = "group mb-1 sm:mb-0 sm:me-7 sm:last:me-0.5" >
< a
href="/tags/"
title="Tags"
>< span
class="decoration-primary-500 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-2 group-hover:underline-offset-2"
>Tags< /span
>
< /a
>
< / li >
< li class = "group mb-1 sm:mb-0 sm:me-7 sm:last:me-0.5" >
< button
id="search-button-1"
title="Search (/)"
>
< span
class="group-dark:hover:text-primary-400 transition-colors group-hover:text-primary-600"
>< span class = "relative inline-block align-text-bottom px-1 icon" > < svg aria-hidden = "true" focusable = "false" data-prefix = "fas" data-icon = "search" class = "svg-inline--fa fa-search fa-w-16" role = "img" xmlns = "http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox = "0 0 512 512" > < path fill = "currentColor" d = "M505 442.7L405.3 343c-4.5-4.5-10.6-7-17-7H372c27.6-35.3 44-79.7 44-128C416 93.1 322.9 0 208 0S0 93.1 0 208s93.1 208 208 208c48.3 0 92.7-16.4 128-44v16.3c0 6.4 2.5 12.5 7 17l99.7 99.7c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l28.3-28.3c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6.1-34zM208 336c-70.7 0-128-57.2-128-128 0-70.7 57.2-128 128-128 70.7 0 128 57.2 128 128 0 70.7-57.2 128-128 128z" / > < / svg >
< / span > < / span > < span
class="decoration-primary-500 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-2 group-hover:underline-offset-2"
>< /span
>
< / button >
< / li >
< / ul >
< / nav >
< / header >
< div class = "relative flex flex-col grow" >
< main id = "main-content" class = "grow" >
< article >
< header class = "max-w-prose" >
< h1 class = "mt-0 text-4xl font-extrabold text-neutral-900 dark:text-neutral" >
On technology
< / h1 >
< div class = "mt-8 mb-12 text-base text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400 print:hidden" >
< div class = "flex flex-row flex-wrap items-center" >
2023-07-11 14:30:28 +00:00
< time datetime = "2023-07-01 00:00:00 +0700 +07" > 1 July 2023< / time > < span class = "px-2 text-primary-500" > · < / span > < span > 740 words< / span > < span class = "px-2 text-primary-500" > · < / span > < span title = "Reading time" > 4 mins< / span >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< / div >
< / div >
< / header >
< section class = "flex flex-col max-w-full mt-0 prose dark:prose-invert lg:flex-row" >
< div class = "min-w-0 min-h-0 max-w-prose grow" >
2023-07-11 14:30:28 +00:00
< p > I arrived at the gym a few weeks ago to notice they were removing the key locks from the lockers and replacing them with some sort of RFID bracelet technology. I chuckled, because this is exactly what I feel is wrong with technolgoy: They replaced a low maintenance time-tested technology (lock and key), with a high-maintenance untested fad consisting of many more moving parts. For starters, each locker now requires a regular battery change. I didn’ ’ < / p >
< p > To be fair with the management, the new technology did solve the perennial problem caused by whatever sequential (FIFO?) system they were using to distribute keys to people as they walked in, and which caused congestion at specific areas of the locker room while leaving the rest of the space completely unused. The digital bracelets can lock any locker, allowing members to choose for themselves. I can think of simpler ways of fixing that problem though.< / p >
< p > A week or so later, I walked into the lobby and noticed they were changing the check-in system, which consisted of an RFID enabled member card scanned on entry, to what appeared to be fingerprint scanners. Bad news, I thought. Sure enough, within a few days the new system was up, and I was asked to scan my finger and get a new membership card to continue using the facilities. I informed them I would not provide my biometrics to enter a gym (or any place for that matter). The only exception being entering and leaving countries and other mandatory government initiatives where I feel I have no choice.< / p >
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
< p > Why do I have a problem with biometrics enabled doors? It makes me feel we’ “ Sorry citizen, this a ‘ ‘ ‘ ’ ” < / p >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< p > I have a problem with the data collection itself. Will this database be sold to third parties? Where are the servers located? What kind of firewall is used? This gym is one of the fanciest in town. Who would like to access member data? For what purposes?< / p >
< p > I asked politely why they required my fingerprint in addition to the RFID enabled card (which now need not be scanned, but must be deposited at reception to receive towels and locker opening bracelet). They informed me members were sharing their cards with third parties and the owner wanted to fix the problem.< / p >
< p > I told them my wife and I use the gym almost every day, and had no desire to share the card with anyone else. I also reminded them of the large TV hanging over the entrance gate and displaying each member’ “ The Big Boss.” < / p >
< p > A few weeks of silence ensued; The Big Boss was out of the country, I was informed. Finally, last week I went to ask again and was told The Big Boss understands and respects my dilemma. There are four of us refuseniks in the entire gym. We will be allowed to finish our yearly membership, but will not be allowed to renew it. I mentioned this drama to an acquaintance who lives in a suburb recently and he laughed and told me his gym has no need for cards or fingerprints: a facial recognition system automatically opens the door.< / p >
< p > Meanwhile, at my gym, a security guard scans an RFID enabled card to let me in every time after I show him my old RFID membership card, which I then deposit with the reception to receive a silicon bracelet and two towels, and scans the card again after I exchange the towels and bracelet for the card. I asked them why they wouldn’ ’ ’ ’ < / p >
< / div >
< / section >
< footer class = "pt-8 max-w-prose print:hidden" >
< div class = "pt-8" >
< hr class = "border-dotted border-neutral-300 dark:border-neutral-600" / >
< div class = "flex justify-between pt-3" >
< span >
< a class = "group flex" href = "/archives/2023-06-30/2023-06-30/" >
< span
class="me-2 text-neutral-700 transition-transform group-hover:-translate-x-[2px] group-hover:text-primary-600 dark:text-neutral dark:group-hover:text-primary-400"
>< span class = "ltr:inline rtl:hidden" > ← < /span
>< span class = "ltr:hidden rtl:inline" > → < / span > < /span
>
< span class = "flex flex-col" >
< span
class="mt-[0.1rem] leading-6 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-primary-500"
>My First Blog Post< /span
>
< span class = "mt-[0.1rem] text-xs text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400" >
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
< time datetime = "2023-06-30 00:00:00 +0700 +07" > 30 June 2023< / time >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< / span >
< / span >
< / a >
< / span >
< span >
2023-07-02 02:36:33 +00:00
< a class = "group flex text-right" href = "/archives/2023-07-02/2023-07-02/" >
< span class = "flex flex-col" >
< span
class="mt-[0.1rem] leading-6 group-hover:underline group-hover:decoration-primary-500"
>A life-changing conversation< /span
>
< span class = "mt-[0.1rem] text-xs text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400" >
< time datetime = "2023-07-02 00:00:00 +0700 +07" > 2 July 2023< / time >
< / span >
< / span >
< span
class="ms-2 text-neutral-700 transition-transform group-hover:-translate-x-[2px] group-hover:text-primary-600 dark:text-neutral dark:group-hover:text-primary-400"
>< span class = "ltr:inline rtl:hidden" > → < /span
>< span class = "ltr:hidden rtl:inline" > ← < / span > < /span
>
< / a >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< / span >
< / div >
< / div >
< / footer >
< / article >
< div class = "pointer-events-none absolute bottom-0 end-0 top-[100vh] w-12" >
< a
href="#the-top"
class="pointer-events-auto sticky top-[calc(100vh-5.5rem)] flex h-12 w-12 items-center justify-center rounded-full bg-neutral/50 text-xl text-neutral-700 backdrop-blur hover:text-primary-600 dark:bg-neutral-800/50 dark:text-neutral dark:hover:text-primary-400"
aria-label="Scroll to top"
title="Scroll to top"
>
↑
< / a >
< / div >
< / main > < footer class = "py-10 print:hidden" >
< div class = "flex items-center justify-between" >
< div >
< p class = "text-sm text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400" >
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
< / p >
< p class = "text-xs text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400" >
Powered by < a class = "hover:underline hover:decoration-primary-400 hover:text-primary-500"
href="https://gohugo.io/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hugo< / a > & < a class = "hover:underline hover:decoration-primary-400 hover:text-primary-500" href = "https://git.io/hugo-congo" target = "_blank" rel = "noopener noreferrer" > Congo< / a >
< / p >
< / div >
< / div >
< p class = "text-xs text-neutral-500 dark:text-neutral-400" >
2023-07-01 10:33:23 +00:00
< a class = "hover:underline hover:decoration-primary-400 hover:text-primary-500" href = "https://git.vegancambodia.com/marcel/personal-blog" target = "_blank" rel = "noopener noreferrer" > Source code< / a >
2023-07-01 03:19:19 +00:00
< / p >
< / footer >
< div
id="search-wrapper"
class="invisible fixed inset-0 z-50 flex h-screen w-screen cursor-default flex-col bg-neutral-500/50 p-4 backdrop-blur-sm dark:bg-neutral-900/50 sm:p-6 md:p-[10vh] lg:p-[12vh]"
data-url=""
>
< div
id="search-modal"
class="flex flex-col w-full max-w-3xl min-h-0 mx-auto border rounded-md shadow-lg top-20 border-neutral-200 bg-neutral dark:border-neutral-700 dark:bg-neutral-800"
>
< header class = "relative z-10 flex items-center justify-between flex-none px-2" >
< form class = "flex items-center flex-auto min-w-0" >
< div class = "flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 text-neutral-400" >
< span class = "relative inline-block align-text-bottom px-1 icon" > < svg aria-hidden = "true" focusable = "false" data-prefix = "fas" data-icon = "search" class = "svg-inline--fa fa-search fa-w-16" role = "img" xmlns = "http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox = "0 0 512 512" > < path fill = "currentColor" d = "M505 442.7L405.3 343c-4.5-4.5-10.6-7-17-7H372c27.6-35.3 44-79.7 44-128C416 93.1 322.9 0 208 0S0 93.1 0 208s93.1 208 208 208c48.3 0 92.7-16.4 128-44v16.3c0 6.4 2.5 12.5 7 17l99.7 99.7c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l28.3-28.3c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6.1-34zM208 336c-70.7 0-128-57.2-128-128 0-70.7 57.2-128 128-128 70.7 0 128 57.2 128 128 0 70.7-57.2 128-128 128z" / > < / svg >
< / span >
< / div >
< input
type="search"
id="search-query"
class="flex flex-auto h-12 mx-1 bg-transparent appearance-none focus:outline-dotted focus:outline-2 focus:outline-transparent"
placeholder="Search"
tabindex="0"
/>
< / form >
< button
id="close-search-button"
class="flex items-center justify-center w-8 h-8 text-neutral-700 hover:text-primary-600 dark:text-neutral dark:hover:text-primary-400"
title="Close (Esc)"
>
< span class = "relative inline-block align-text-bottom px-1 icon" > < svg xmlns = "http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox = "0 0 320 512" > < path fill = "currentColor" d = "M310.6 361.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.75 0 45.25C304.4 412.9 296.2 416 288 416s-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375L160 301.3L54.63 406.6C48.38 412.9 40.19 416 32 416S15.63 412.9 9.375 406.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25l105.4-105.4L9.375 150.6c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L160 210.8l105.4-105.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-105.4 105.4L310.6 361.4z" / > < / svg >
< / span >
< / button >
< / header >
< section class = "flex-auto px-2 overflow-auto" >
< ul id = "search-results" >
< / ul >
< / section >
< / div >
< / div >
< / div >
< / body >
< / html >
