A parting present from Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and the deep state…

It’s all in the definitions., fine print, and rules and regulations promulgated by unelected bureaucrats.

IaaS Infrastructure as a Service is a cloud computing model that provides virtualized cloud computing resources over the internet.

Know-your-customer standards are the enabling legislation that allows private entities to intrusively investigate you and your business to compile profiles that are easily accessible to the government, specifically intelligence and law enforcement agencies, without a formal subpoena or showing of probable cause.

Know-your-customer standards are the stratagem that led to the de-banking and de-platforming of political organizations and dissident individuals that displeased the regime in power--and all without due process and means for redress. The very definition of fascistic behavior is a corporatist political system allowing for the regulatory capture of private industry by government entities.

We have seen past legislation requiring developers to implement cybersecurity standards, and it has proven ineffective in significant government and civilian cases. There are few protections from malignant actors with the keys to the digital kingdom who have been compromised, coerced, or have a malevolent intent.

Mentioning chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or cyber risks is a fear tactic. Nobody knows or can project how AI can impact chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or cyber risks beyond researching or answering questions about potential vulnerabilities.

Allow the government to examine all technology, possibly reinforcing the monopolies of existing government-compliant technology giants and stifling innovation by allowing corporatized theft of technological secrets without any cost-effective redress.

Penalties? This is the regime criminalizing unspecified behavior at their political whim. As we saw with the Obama and Biden Administrations, governments cannot be trusted not to weaponize their formidable forces against dissident organizations and regimes.

The Dangers of Eliminating Anonymity in the Cloud

As more individuals and businesses move their data and operations to the cloud, the issue of anonymity is becoming increasingly important. Removing anonymity can enhance security and accountability, but significant dangers must be considered.

• Privacy Erosion: Anonymity in the cloud allows users to interact without revealing their personal identities. Without this layer of protection, sensitive data—like browsing history, online purchases, or personal communications—becomes vulnerable to surveillance. A loss of anonymity could lead to mass data collection by governments, corporations, or hackers, undermining personal privacy.

• Freedom of Expression: The ability to communicate anonymously online is essential for free speech. In oppressive regimes, anonymity can be the only safeguard against retaliation for voicing dissent. Removing this protection can stifle political activism, whistleblowing, and sharing controversial ideas without fear of repercussion.

• Increased Targeting by Malicious Actors: Eliminating anonymity can make individuals more susceptible to cyberattacks, harassment, or fraud. Cybercriminals often target identifiable individuals for identity theft, financial scams, or physical threats. Anonymity in the cloud offers a vital layer of protection against such risks.

• Chilling Effect on Innovation: Anonymity encourages experimentation and sharing ideas without fear of personal or professional consequences. If users know they are constantly being tracked or identified, they may become more cautious, reducing innovation and creative collaboration in digital spaces.

Bottom line…

The Preserving American Dominance in AI Act of 2024 is a trojan horse, giving the government immeasurable new powers while purporting to be legislation aimed at addressing the intersection of national security concerns, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and American leadership in the global AI race. 

Even if Executive and Congressional Oversight Mechanisms for oversight and accountability are included, with provisions for regular reviews by Congress and dedicated AI oversight bodies to ensure the law’s goals are being met, we have seen these activities stone-walled or subverted by malignant actors and committees such as the sham January  Committee.

Ask yourself if the government has prevented the theft of technology by our Communist Chinese enemies or overlooked the fact that they purchased significant political influence, including up to the level of the President of the United States.

This is legislation effectively targeting Americans, not our enemies.

We are so screwed.

-- Steve