Ask HN: Who's hacking to end/disrupt genocide? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Who's hacking to end/disrupt genocide?

2 pointscrawfordcomeaux6 comments

I find it incredibly unethical for us programmers, some of the most powerful people in the digital age, to not be publicly organizing and working together on tools for immediately ending genocide. We instead contribute to tools that prop up the systems used for killing.

But maybe I just don't know where to look to help out? So let's collect the list of groups here and if they don't exist, let's come clean about our parts in that. On my end, I got out of the game to enter into rehab from numerous process addictions 8 years ago & then had a child who I've been caring for fulltime with partner. This isn't an excuse; this is the start of accounting for what's needed to enable me to shift focus onto this work. They'll need someone else helping care for them in my absence, as well as housing.

So what groups are you aware of and what's needed for you to start contributing to efforts to immediately end genocide?

So you want to cleanse the Levant of "those people"

I know you aren't talking about E Turkestan, Darfur, Yemen, Northern Nigeria, Congo, Myanmar or Manhattan

Free Palestine. Free Congo. Free E Turkestan. Free Darfur. Free Yemen. Free Northern Nigeria. Free Myanmar. Free Manhattan. Free Hawaii. Free Turtle Island. Free Earth.

I'm afraid I can't help you with a list of organisations to join, OP, but there are a few things I can think of to help in indirect ways. The unsexiest and most difficult but one of the most impactful is to strengthen unions by forming/joining them. Solidarity allows us as tech workers to gain agency in deciding which work we won't do and being empowered through collective action to push back against partnerships with the military-industrial complex. We can also use our skills and the rewards of our labour to contribute to and sponsor open-source projects regarding private, encrypted and decentralised communications which allow citizens, reporters, and aid workers (not always distinct groups) to avoid the kind of government censorship which accelerates genocide.

Besides that, I'm deeply interested in this thread and other responses, as someone who's been pondering the same thing for a long time. Where I've landed is that there might not be a special thing only I can do to help the current situation using the skills I have, but that the best thing I could do is use my financial security and work/life boundaries to do the unglamorous work of civic and political volunteering. It's possible that we can't hack our way out of this, but we can support the organisational efforts of others in other ways. Protest and community organising are still the most effective methods of arousing change, and while I would like to see more civil disobedience in the digital realm, it might be that the best a tech worker can do is go and march in the city square along with thousands of others.

I honestly couldn't figure out if this post was serious or sarcastic, so I asked Phind to find a solution to the OP:

Introducing "Genocidioff": The service that promises to put an end to genocide, once and for all. But before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as another futile attempt to tackle the world's most heinous crimes, let me explain how it works.

"Genocidioff" is a groundbreaking AI-powered service that leverages the power of machine learning to predict and prevent genocide. It analyzes historical data, current geopolitical tensions, and social media trends to identify patterns and potential threats. Once a threat is identified, "Genocidioff" takes immediate action. It sends out a team of highly trained "Genocidioff Agents" who are equipped with the latest in genocide prevention technology. These agents are not your typical peacekeepers; they are armed with a unique arsenal of "peace bombs" and "love drones" designed to disarm and defuse any potential conflict. The "Genocidioff Agents" then engage in a series of "peace talks" with the conflicting parties. These talks are not your typical diplomatic negotiations; they involve a lot of dancing, singing, and the sharing of delicious cookies. The goal is to foster a sense of unity and mutual respect, leading to a peaceful resolution. After the peace talks, "Genocidioff" ensures that the resolution is sustainable. It provides ongoing support and resources to the affected regions, including "happiness workshops" and "peace gardens" to help communities rebuild and thrive.

Efficiency: Unlike traditional peacekeeping efforts, "Genocidioff" is designed to be fast and efficient. It can predict and prevent genocide before it even starts, saving countless lives and resources.

Innovation: The use of AI and advanced technology in genocide prevention is a first. It's like applying the principles of Silicon Valley to the world's most pressing issues.

Humor: At its core, "Genocidioff" is about finding humor in the darkest of situations. It's a reminder that even in the face of genocide, there's always room for a good laugh.

While the world grapples with the complexities of genocide, "Genocidioff" offers a glimmer of hope. It's a service that combines technology, innovation, and a healthy dose of humor to tackle the world's most pressing issues. So, the next time you hear about a potential genocide, remember: it's not just a tragedy; it's an opportunity for "Genocidioff" to make a difference.

> It's a reminder that even in the face of genocide, there's always room for a good laugh.

I'm pretty sure OP was serious with the question.

I was. Still am.

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