The FBI raided the home of Mateo D’Amato, a renowned computer scientist specializing in cryptography and anonymity technologies, and seized several electronic devices. D’Amato has since vanished, becoming incommunicado with colleagues and family. His university profile has been removed, and the institution refuses to comment, further deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance and the reason for the FBI's interest. D’Amato's research focused on areas with potential national security implications, but no details regarding the investigation have been released.
The post "XOR" explores the remarkable versatility of the exclusive-or (XOR) operation in computer programming. It highlights XOR's utility in a variety of contexts, from cryptography (simple ciphers) and data manipulation (swapping variables without temporary storage) to graphics programming (drawing lines and circles) and error detection (parity checks). The author emphasizes XOR's fundamental mathematical properties, like its self-inverting nature (A XOR B XOR B = A) and commutativity, demonstrating how these properties enable elegant and efficient solutions to seemingly complex problems. Ultimately, the post advocates for a deeper appreciation of XOR as a powerful tool in any programmer's arsenal.
HN users discuss various applications and interpretations of XOR. Some highlight its reversibility and use in cryptography, while others explain its role in parity checks and error detection. A few comments delve into its connection with addition and subtraction in binary arithmetic. The thread also explores the efficiency of XOR in comparison to other bitwise operations and its utility in situations requiring toggling, such as graphics programming. Some users share personal anecdotes of using XOR for tasks like swapping variables without temporary storage. A recurring theme is the elegance and simplicity of XOR, despite its power and versatility.
This spreadsheet documents a personal file system designed to mitigate data loss at home. It outlines a tiered backup strategy using various methods and media, including cloud storage (Google Drive, Backblaze), local network drives (NAS), and external hard drives. The system emphasizes redundancy by storing multiple copies of important data in different locations, and incorporates a structured approach to file organization and a regular backup schedule. The author categorizes their data by importance and sensitivity, employing different strategies for each category, reflecting a focus on preserving critical data in the event of various failure scenarios, from accidental deletion to hardware malfunction or even house fire.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the practicality and necessity of the "Home Loss File System" presented in the linked Google Doc. Some questioned the complexity introduced by the system, suggesting simpler solutions like cloud backups or RAID would be more effective and less prone to user error. Others pointed out potential vulnerabilities related to security and data integrity, especially concerning the proposed encryption method and the reliance on physical media exchange. A few commenters questioned the overall value proposition, arguing that the risk of complete home loss, while real, might be better mitigated through insurance rather than a complex custom file system. The discussion also touched on potential improvements to the system, such as using existing decentralized storage solutions and more robust encryption algorithms.
Summary of Comments ( 159 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43527001
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the FBI raid and subsequent disappearance of the computer scientist, expressing concern over the lack of public information and potential chilling effects on academic research. Some speculated about the reasons behind the raid, ranging from national security concerns to more mundane possibilities like grant fraud or data mismanagement. Several commenters questioned the university's swift removal of the scientist's webpage, viewing it as an overreaction and potentially damaging to his reputation. Others pointed out the difficulty of drawing conclusions without knowing the specifics of the investigation, advocating for cautious observation until more information emerges. The overall sentiment leaned towards concern for the scientist's well-being and apprehension about the precedent this sets for academic freedom.
The Hacker News post titled "FBI raids home of prominent computer scientist who has gone incommunicado" (linking to an Ars Technica article about the disappearance of Dr. Yingying (Jennifer) Chen) has generated a significant number of comments discussing various aspects of the situation. Many commenters express concern over the lack of information and the chilling effect this kind of action could have on academic research and international collaboration.
Several commenters focus on the potential implications of the FBI raid and Chen's subsequent disappearance. Some speculate about possible reasons, ranging from intellectual property theft to espionage, while acknowledging the absence of publicly available evidence. Others caution against jumping to conclusions and emphasize the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The secrecy surrounding the case fuels speculation and anxieties.
A recurring theme in the comments is the potential damage to academic freedom and international collaboration. Commenters worry that incidents like this could deter foreign researchers from working in the US or collaborating with American institutions. Some express concerns that the incident could exacerbate existing tensions between the US and China.
Some commenters question the proportionality of the FBI's response, particularly given the lack of publicly disclosed information about the nature of the alleged wrongdoing. They highlight the potential for such raids to disrupt research, damage reputations, and cause significant personal distress even if the individual is ultimately exonerated.
A few commenters offer alternative perspectives, suggesting that the lack of public information might indicate the sensitivity or complexity of the investigation. They argue that it's premature to criticize the FBI's actions without a clearer understanding of the circumstances.
Many comments dissect the Ars Technica article itself, pointing out what they perceive as journalistic shortcomings, such as the reliance on anonymous sources and the lack of concrete details. Some commenters express frustration with the article's focus on speculation rather than verifiable facts.
Finally, several commenters offer practical advice and support, sharing information about legal resources and expressing solidarity with Chen and her family. There's a palpable sense of concern within the community for Chen's well-being and the broader implications of her disappearance. The comments reflect a desire for transparency and a cautious approach to judgment in the absence of confirmed information.