US Government’s warrantless data collection, Paramount+ plans, and threats to Bitcoin- TNCS Ep 129

In this week’s episode we cover the latest in nerd entertainment by discussing the upcoming Paramount+ streaming service, rumors around a Harry Potter series on HBOMax, and villagers are angry at Disney about the Kenobi set.  In tech news the big story of the week is that the Defense Intelligence Agency has been gathering US smartphone location data without warrants through third party companies.  The US Treasury threatens regulation against Bitcoin. SpaceX breaks another new record and we discuss some creepy use of artificial intelligence.

 

We ask that you support the show in any way possible.  You can like, share, rate or comment on any of the various social media and podcast players.  Join the conversation in our closed Facebook group at https://www.thenerdcantina.com/community, or become a patron on our Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/thenerdcantina) where a pledge of as little as $1 will get you a free sticker.

 

Visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKXYWzoYKvoZopZLX8YA0Bg

 

• Villagers upset that the Kenobi set can disrupt life for years
  • https://insidethemagic.net/2021/01/obi-wan-kenobi-set-rwb1/?fbclid=IwAR3QgZp9uLDdMUQi1OpVfMG-uFf7p8n1oiz3n2eDnF3uU123Y52i2ub0nYI 
• CNBC: ViacomCBS to launch streaming service Paramount+ on March 4, to compete with Disney+, HBO Max. 
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/19/viacomcbs-paramount-streaming-service-launches-march-4.html
• Variety: ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max. 
  • https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/harry-potter-series-hbo-max-1234865601/
• The Hill: Intelligence agency gathers US smartphone location data without warrants, memo says | TheHill.
  • https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/535441-intelligence-agency-gathers-us-smartphone-location-data-without
• Janet Yellen suggests 'curtailing' cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, saying they are mainly used for illegal financing
  • https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/news/bitcoin-price-cryptocurrency-should-be-curtailed-terrorism-concerns-yellen-2021-1-1029985692?fbclid=iwar0zuhuicidzkeeas9diyghrwm-fnqqd77juklpq6sseqdh-2xbsmdsam9u 
• CNBC: SpaceX launches a 'rideshare' mission carrying 143 spacecraft, a record for a single launch.
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/24/spacex-launches-rideshare-mission-with-143-spacecraft.html
• Microsoft patents a chatbot to revive dead relatives
  • https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/microsoft-chatbot-patent-dead-b1789979.html?utm_source=reddit.com 
• Tiny weed killing robot could make pesticides obsolete
  • https://onezero.medium.com/tiny-weed-killing-robots-could-make-pesticides-obsolete-99b3a6359c39