CounterBug is a digital self-defence device that eases cyber paranoia - 0 views
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Cécile Christodoulou on 12 Aug 19> https://erlendprendergast.com/CounterBug "Glasgow School of Art graduate Erlend Prendergast has designed a modular robotic device that talks back to Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa in order to protect users from digital surveillance." "Speaking to Dezeen at the Glasgow School of Art degree show, Prendergast described his proposal as "an alternative approach to digital self defence" that is intentionally "satirical and tongue-in-cheek". "There is an inherent irony at the core of the project," he added, "because really the only way to defend yourself against Alexa is to not buy an Alexa."" "Murmur attempts to confuse Amazon's algorithms for tailored advertising by whispering contradictory phrases when the user mentions something that could indicate a preference, taste or hobby."