EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
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AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 18·5 min read
A group of Gandalfs protest outside the home of Peter Thiel in Argentina
TL;DR
Protesters dressed as Gandalf gathered outside Peter Thiel's home in Argentina, criticizing his involvement in AI surveillance technology. Their chants highlighted concerns over the ethical implications of his work.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider the ethical implications of AI technologies in your own projects and advocate for responsible use.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate the ethical implications of AI in your work.
- Engage in discussions about responsible AI use.
- Consider the societal impact of surveillance technologies.
- Stay informed about public sentiment regarding tech leaders.
Full Summary
A group of protesters, all dressed as Gandalf from J.R.R. Tolkien's works, demonstrated outside Peter Thiel's residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Thiel, known for his controversial role in developing AI-assisted surveillance software through his company Palantir, has faced backlash for the ethical implications of such technologies. The protesters adapted Argentinian football chants to criticize Thiel, emphasizing their disapproval of his surveillance practices.
Interestingly, Thiel has previously expressed admiration for Tolkien's characters, which adds a layer of irony to the protest. Gandalf, who never uses the palantiri—powerful seeing stones that can corrupt their users—serves as a symbolic figure in this context.
The protest also echoes sentiments expressed by Pope Leo XIV, who warned against humanity's attempts to control the world through AI, advocating for responsible stewardship instead.