My Digital FootPrint

“ Data is Data ” explored that data is not oil but that data is something that is unique and we should call it for what it is; #Data. The reason explained is that all the analogies: oil, gold, sunshine, commodities, time and labour, fail to bring out the uniqueness of data. Whilst the thinking explored in that post still stands, a year on I have to challenge one key assumption, which I will come to. I recently posted ideas of where memory comes from , and specifically the links between memory and identity. We have different types of “memory” for myself, society and nature and now data/ digital might be creating a new type of memory. The reason memory and its link to data is worth exploring is that both depend on relationships to derive “value.” Data without relationships is worthless. Memory without relationship (connection) is worthless. The assumption that we need to look, “In our complex digital world what type of “memory” do we want the system to have?” Memor...

image source : https://diffzi.com/merger-vs-acquisition/ Have been challenged to rethink certain growth models and the often significant issues created by: buy, merge and acquire thinking as opposed to invest and build.  The data (success as value created as realized in 3 years as per plan) from BigCo takes over MinnowCo is not good (1 in 10 achieve above plan), the same type of data from BigCo takes over SmallCo is no better with only 8 in 100 achieving plan.  Near equal size takeover/ merger of BigCo and BigCo is unknown on plan, but market data would suggest it is not great either.   On a pure financial measure as a decision, surly the risk class of M&A activity for value creation would be near junk level, In all other classes of risk - such activities would not be approved.  However, there is way more at stake than pure financial metrics such as exits, vesting, relalisable gain, bonuses and incentives.  Assumption 1 + 1 = 3.   ...

Whilst the quote focuses on the human memory as a means to create personal identity, the question to be looked at is “What types of memory do we have”, and “what do these memory type mean for identity?” The types of memory we have is somewhat easier to break out and explore, in fact so are the types of identity. The core of this article is the thinking about complexity that arises when we explore the interaction between memory and identity. This is very much a thought piece that needs lots of debate, I hope this starts it. Memory Before we go to far, it is worth reading the wikipedia entry on all memory as it breaks out the many uses of the word in different contexts. Nature has a wide variety of memory techniques, but none of the naturally occurring ones are similar to the one we propose to create for digital identity (near perfect). Our existing paper identity systems are closer to nature than the digital one we propose; existing schemes generally get worse over time, solve...

Digital and data can be viewed as enabling and world-making; or as disruptive and world-changing. In other words, the philosophy of digital and data is as formative as tech can get.  We know it is hard to make sense of this virtual digital world, in the same way it is for us to sense the roundness of our earth when we only see the flat horizons or indeed grasp the size of our galaxy or scale the universe.  The impact of digital is complex, ambiguous, dependent and uncertain.   The realisation of the impact of digital is not a science and right now requires judgment on behalf of leaders, pioneers and adventurers; as we as a society wrestle with the unknown benefits, complexity, compromises and problems digital life throws up. The maturing of making everything digital means that we now have to understand and address a new culture, value system, purpose and governance; but when? Whilst there is no right time for everyone, as attention depends on the adoption ...

Here is a possible, step by step, idea to go from dytopia of data to utopia of data, the assumption being that the absence of privacy, security and trust is dystopia and if we had them all at an individual level we would be on a path to a better data world.  Therefore if we want to end with Privacy, Security and Trust and start with nothing, what does the journey look like by guaranteeing different functions.  Worry less about agreeing with my commentary, what and who would you put in each scenario?

  Image source: https://medium.com/politics-ai/an-overview-of-national-ai-strategies-2a70ec6edfd and updates https://futureoflife.org/national-international-ai-strategies/ The purpose of this article is to provide a framework which gives you a clear and coherent communication tool to assess or position any AI initiative. The positioning will be on the continuum of AI will either save the human race from extinction or be our nemesis, causing our very eradication. The framework is built on an explanation of how value is created using an economic model that provides for both stability (BAU) and change (disruption). Critically explored is how the choice is made between the stable and change models. Through exploring stable, change and choice we unpack how the outcome of an AI project can lead to growth and prosperity or dystopia and destruction. The simplest economic model Figure 1 presents a very simple process. Raw materials are an input to a process called gain , which crea...

“ Possible Minds ” 25 ways of looking at AI edited by John Brockman One of the best books on AI, right now in 2019, not because of its technical deep views but because it presents many (25) arguments about different aspects of AI and why there cannot be one unified vision or view. It is one to read, just because at the end you have more questions you don’t have answers to; which is a Richard Feynman quote in parts. It does allow you to explore your own views about AI, you will align to different parts of the viewpoints presented, indeed you will create a mashup of them all where you feel comfortable. The take away from the book is the framework and not the content from reading this book, the challenge laid down to keep up with the 25 themes are they develop, morph, link, combine, fraction and fork; especially the ones you find are at conflict with your own view and belief will be the most difficult, and there are lots. Below is for me, some personal, interruption and thinking ...