Bruce Barcott
@brucebarcott.bsky.social
Author, editor, creator, critic, analyst, striving to bring more clarity to the world. Editorial lead at the Transparency Coalition.ai, a new nonprofit group working to create AI safeguards for the greater good.
Your weekend reading is here!
Amazon says AI agents buying stuff on its site are trespassing. NO BOTS ALLOWED, they say.
Perplexity’s CEO argues that AI agents should have “all the rights and responsibilities” as a real human user.
Ooh this is a juicy one. Best AI Humanist column ever.
Amazon says AI agents buying stuff on its site are trespassing. NO BOTS ALLOWED, they say.
Perplexity’s CEO argues that AI agents should have “all the rights and responsibilities” as a real human user.
Ooh this is a juicy one. Best AI Humanist column ever.
Why Amazon won't let robots shop
Do AI bots have the same 'right to shop' as humans?
ai-humanist.beehiiv.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Your weekend reading is here!
Amazon says AI agents buying stuff on its site are trespassing. NO BOTS ALLOWED, they say.
Perplexity’s CEO argues that AI agents should have “all the rights and responsibilities” as a real human user.
Ooh this is a juicy one. Best AI Humanist column ever.
Amazon says AI agents buying stuff on its site are trespassing. NO BOTS ALLOWED, they say.
Perplexity’s CEO argues that AI agents should have “all the rights and responsibilities” as a real human user.
Ooh this is a juicy one. Best AI Humanist column ever.
Attention authors: The copyright case against Anthropic has been settled in your favor. The AI company is paying $1.5 billion to infringed writers.
There's an online portal for you to file a claim and get paid. Subscribers to my AI Humanist newsletter received this post early this morning.
There's an online portal for you to file a claim and get paid. Subscribers to my AI Humanist newsletter received this post early this morning.
Did Anthropic pirate your book? Here's how to get paid.
If you published a book, you're probably entitled to a cut of the $1.5 billion settlement.
ai-humanist.beehiiv.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Attention authors: The copyright case against Anthropic has been settled in your favor. The AI company is paying $1.5 billion to infringed writers.
There's an online portal for you to file a claim and get paid. Subscribers to my AI Humanist newsletter received this post early this morning.
There's an online portal for you to file a claim and get paid. Subscribers to my AI Humanist newsletter received this post early this morning.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Understatement of the fucking year right here.
August 28, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Understatement of the fucking year right here.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Curious about what's in the Trump Administration's new AI Action Plan?
We've got a resource page for you. Overview, full document, and more to come as the president's comments and a possible new EO are expected later today.
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/guide-a...
We've got a resource page for you. Overview, full document, and more to come as the president's comments and a possible new EO are expected later today.
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/guide-a...
Guide to ‘America’s AI Action Plan’ released by the Trump Administration — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
Earlier today President Trump released the White House’s ‘AI Action Plan,’ which lays out his Administration’s guidance for AI development and governance. We have an overview and a link to the full do...
www.transparencycoalition.ai
July 23, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Curious about what's in the Trump Administration's new AI Action Plan?
We've got a resource page for you. Overview, full document, and more to come as the president's comments and a possible new EO are expected later today.
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/guide-a...
We've got a resource page for you. Overview, full document, and more to come as the president's comments and a possible new EO are expected later today.
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/guide-a...
"Bird by Bird" = One of the best books ever, and a great gift for anyone and everyone.
The title phrase, and the situation that inspired it, has helped me overcome many moments of doubt and trepidation in my life. Thank you @annelamott.bsky.social.
The title phrase, and the situation that inspired it, has helped me overcome many moments of doubt and trepidation in my life. Thank you @annelamott.bsky.social.
As a budding writer, I’ve become immersed in the works of Anne Lamott, starting with "Bird by Bird", which elucidated the concept of the conscious writer and the reflection of morality in one’s writing. What a treasure for the mind. Cheers.
www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-In...
www.amazon.com/Bird-Some-In...
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life [Lamott, Anne] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
www.amazon.com
July 7, 2025 at 7:05 PM
"Bird by Bird" = One of the best books ever, and a great gift for anyone and everyone.
The title phrase, and the situation that inspired it, has helped me overcome many moments of doubt and trepidation in my life. Thank you @annelamott.bsky.social.
The title phrase, and the situation that inspired it, has helped me overcome many moments of doubt and trepidation in my life. Thank you @annelamott.bsky.social.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
There is something so fundamentally telling with people who think that “reading a book” and “knowing what the plot is” is the same experience.
July 6, 2025 at 7:54 PM
There is something so fundamentally telling with people who think that “reading a book” and “knowing what the plot is” is the same experience.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
So much going on this week in AI: Congress, court decisions, chatbots...
Here's a quick catch-up on state AI bills. You know about Texas and TRAIGA, but did you hear about Illinois passing a bill to prohibit AI chatbots from performing therapy?
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/ai-legi...
Here's a quick catch-up on state AI bills. You know about Texas and TRAIGA, but did you hear about Illinois passing a bill to prohibit AI chatbots from performing therapy?
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/ai-legi...
AI Legislative Update: June 27, 2025 — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
This week: Gov. Greg Abbott signed the Texas Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA) into law; Illinois passed a bill prohibiting AI chatbots from acting as mental health therapists; and AI-related bil...
www.transparencycoalition.ai
June 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
So much going on this week in AI: Congress, court decisions, chatbots...
Here's a quick catch-up on state AI bills. You know about Texas and TRAIGA, but did you hear about Illinois passing a bill to prohibit AI chatbots from performing therapy?
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/ai-legi...
Here's a quick catch-up on state AI bills. You know about Texas and TRAIGA, but did you hear about Illinois passing a bill to prohibit AI chatbots from performing therapy?
www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/ai-legi...
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Catch up on everything you missed in AI policy this week:
* Vermont enacted a Kids Code digital design law
* Florida adopted an AI deepfake protection law
* New York passed the RAISE Act
...and more!
* Vermont enacted a Kids Code digital design law
* Florida adopted an AI deepfake protection law
* New York passed the RAISE Act
...and more!
AI Legislative Update: June 13, 2025 — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
This week: Vermont’s new ‘Kids Code’ got signed into law, Florida enacted a deepfake law, the New York State Senate approved the RAISE Act, and AI bills kept moving in Sacramento.
www.transparencycoalition.ai
June 13, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Catch up on everything you missed in AI policy this week:
* Vermont enacted a Kids Code digital design law
* Florida adopted an AI deepfake protection law
* New York passed the RAISE Act
...and more!
* Vermont enacted a Kids Code digital design law
* Florida adopted an AI deepfake protection law
* New York passed the RAISE Act
...and more!
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
We're thrilled to announce the appointment of four new members to the Boards of our growing organizations.
Joining the Transparency Coalition are Christy Johnson, Leigh McMillan, and Yoko Miyashita. Joining the board of the Transparency Coalition Action Fund, our policy arm, is Casey Mock.
Joining the Transparency Coalition are Christy Johnson, Leigh McMillan, and Yoko Miyashita. Joining the board of the Transparency Coalition Action Fund, our policy arm, is Casey Mock.
Transparency Coalition announces new board appointments — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
Joining the Transparency Coalition Board of Directors are, from left, Christy Johnson, Leigh McMillan, and Yoko Miyashita. Casey Mock, far right, is joining the Transparency Coalition Action Fund Boar...
www.transparencycoalition.ai
May 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
We're thrilled to announce the appointment of four new members to the Boards of our growing organizations.
Joining the Transparency Coalition are Christy Johnson, Leigh McMillan, and Yoko Miyashita. Joining the board of the Transparency Coalition Action Fund, our policy arm, is Casey Mock.
Joining the Transparency Coalition are Christy Johnson, Leigh McMillan, and Yoko Miyashita. Joining the board of the Transparency Coalition Action Fund, our policy arm, is Casey Mock.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Congratulations to the Pope of Chicago
May 8, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Congratulations to the Pope of Chicago
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
"A powerful indictment of a child welfare system seemingly designed to 'pump out' adults 'ill-equipped' to flourish." WOW! Fantastic review of WARDS OF THE STATE. So grateful.
www.publishersweekly.com/9781419763151
www.publishersweekly.com/9781419763151
Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care by Claudia Rowe
Journalist Rowe (The Spider and the Fly) rips the Band-Aid off the ugly wound that is the American foster care system in this se...
www.publishersweekly.com
May 6, 2025 at 9:53 PM
"A powerful indictment of a child welfare system seemingly designed to 'pump out' adults 'ill-equipped' to flourish." WOW! Fantastic review of WARDS OF THE STATE. So grateful.
www.publishersweekly.com/9781419763151
www.publishersweekly.com/9781419763151
There's a deep institutional assumption that the people in charge of money are "the smartest guys in the room" operating with the best information and biggest brains. No matter how often it's disproven. No matter how obvious the evidence is to the rest of us. And has been for many years.
April 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
There's a deep institutional assumption that the people in charge of money are "the smartest guys in the room" operating with the best information and biggest brains. No matter how often it's disproven. No matter how obvious the evidence is to the rest of us. And has been for many years.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
April 9, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Lori Beth Denberg reprised her All That librarian character to do a pro-library, anti-book banning reel and I love it so much??? www.instagram.com/reel/DIK0_bD...
April 9, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Lori Beth Denberg reprised her All That librarian character to do a pro-library, anti-book banning reel and I love it so much??? www.instagram.com/reel/DIK0_bD...
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
fingers crossed for an Ernaux concept album
April 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
fingers crossed for an Ernaux concept album
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Imagine a world where AI developers proudly disclose the quality of their data and the strength of their model by linking directly to their training data sources.
Ai2 @ai2.bsky.social just made it happen.
Ai2 @ai2.bsky.social just made it happen.
Major AI transparency breakthrough: Ai2 model displays training data sources that may be linked to output — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
Ai2, the Allen Institute’s nonprofit research group, earlier today released OLMoTrace, a breakthrough tool that allows users to view and interact with the training data sources connected to specific A...
www.transparencycoalition.ai
April 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Imagine a world where AI developers proudly disclose the quality of their data and the strength of their model by linking directly to their training data sources.
Ai2 @ai2.bsky.social just made it happen.
Ai2 @ai2.bsky.social just made it happen.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
[Sinno] is aiming for her own quiet revolution, upending our received notions both of survival and of the distinction[...] between autobiographical writing and the so-called “higher” realms of literature. “Why do we think only fiction can venture into the domain of the unsayable?"
Neige Sinno Doesn’t Believe in Writing as Therapy
The French author’s award-winning memoir, “Sad Tiger,” is a richly literary and starkly shattering account of childhood sexual abuse.
www.newyorker.com
April 4, 2025 at 4:12 PM
[Sinno] is aiming for her own quiet revolution, upending our received notions both of survival and of the distinction[...] between autobiographical writing and the so-called “higher” realms of literature. “Why do we think only fiction can venture into the domain of the unsayable?"
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Transparency and disclosure take many forms. Earlier this week TCAI's Jai Jaisimha was in Sacramento to testify on behalf of SB 11, Sen. Angelique Ashby's AI Abuse Act, which would alert—and deter—consumers before they break the law by creating harmful deepfakes. @senatorashby.bsky.social
California bill would create a consumer warning to deter deepfakes — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
AI deepfakes leave people vulnerable to exploitation, identity theft, scams, misinformation and misrepresentation of character, says the bill’s author. A consumer warning would make everyday consumers...
www.transparencycoalition.ai
April 4, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Transparency and disclosure take many forms. Earlier this week TCAI's Jai Jaisimha was in Sacramento to testify on behalf of SB 11, Sen. Angelique Ashby's AI Abuse Act, which would alert—and deter—consumers before they break the law by creating harmful deepfakes. @senatorashby.bsky.social
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Pundit, 2016: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2017: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2018: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2019: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2020: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2021-2024: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2025: "Who could have seen this coming?"
Pundit, 2017: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2018: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2019: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2020: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2021-2024: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2025: "Who could have seen this coming?"
March 19, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Pundit, 2016: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2017: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2018: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2019: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2020: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2021-2024: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2025: "Who could have seen this coming?"
Pundit, 2017: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2018: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2019: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2020: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2021-2024: "Oh, you're overreacting."
Pundit, 2025: "Who could have seen this coming?"
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
It doesn't completely replace Amazon. But it covers a lot. Not just non perishables but home goods and small appliances.
And it's an outstanding company
play.google.com/store/apps/d...
And it's an outstanding company
play.google.com/store/apps/d...
Costco Wholesale - Apps on Google Play
The Costco Mobile App is the easiest way to save time and money on the go.
play.google.com
March 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM
It doesn't completely replace Amazon. But it covers a lot. Not just non perishables but home goods and small appliances.
And it's an outstanding company
play.google.com/store/apps/d...
And it's an outstanding company
play.google.com/store/apps/d...
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Historian here:
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
March 10, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Historian here:
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
“To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
Who could have seen this coming? Who, I ask you?
March 5, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Who could have seen this coming? Who, I ask you?
Incredible photo. Incredible time to be alive.
February 26, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Incredible photo. Incredible time to be alive.
Reposted by Bruce Barcott
Update from Santa Fe: The New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Act, authored and stewarded by Rep. Christine Chandler, remains strong and is moving forward.
This is one of the best AI bills of 2025, and we're cheered by its progress.
This is one of the best AI bills of 2025, and we're cheered by its progress.
New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Act, HB 60, moving to a floor vote in the House — Transparency Coalition. Legislation for Transparency in AI Now.
The New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Act, authored by Rep. Christine Chandler, is one of the most promising AI measures moving forward in the 2025 state legislative season.
www.transparencycoalition.ai
February 26, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Update from Santa Fe: The New Mexico Artificial Intelligence Act, authored and stewarded by Rep. Christine Chandler, remains strong and is moving forward.
This is one of the best AI bills of 2025, and we're cheered by its progress.
This is one of the best AI bills of 2025, and we're cheered by its progress.