Anthropic has announced that its AI assistant, Claude, now has access to real-time web search capabilities. This allows Claude to access and process information from the web, enabling more up-to-date and comprehensive responses to user prompts. This new feature enhances Claude's abilities across various tasks, including summarization, creative writing, Q&A, and coding, by grounding its responses in current information. Users can now expect Claude to deliver more factually accurate and contextually relevant answers by leveraging the vast knowledge base available online.
Internet shutdowns across Africa reached a record high in 2024, with 26 documented incidents, primarily during elections or periods of civil unrest. Governments increasingly weaponized internet access, disrupting communication and suppressing dissent. These shutdowns, often targeting mobile data and social media platforms, caused significant economic damage and hampered human rights monitoring. Ethiopia and Senegal were among the countries experiencing the longest and most disruptive outages. The trend raises concerns about democratic backsliding and the erosion of digital rights across the continent.
HN commenters discuss the increasing use of internet shutdowns in Africa, particularly during elections and protests. Some point out that this tactic isn't unique to Africa, with similar actions seen in India and Myanmar. Others highlight the economic damage these shutdowns inflict, impacting businesses and individuals relying on digital connectivity. The discussion also touches upon the chilling effect on free speech and access to information, with concerns raised about governments controlling narratives. Several commenters suggest that decentralized technologies like mesh networks and satellite internet could offer potential solutions to bypass these shutdowns, although practical limitations are acknowledged. The role of Western tech companies in facilitating these shutdowns is also questioned, with some advocating for stronger stances against government censorship.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is discreetly funding community-owned fiber optic networks, bringing affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved areas. These networks offer gigabit speeds for just $50-$65 per month, significantly undercutting incumbent ISPs often providing slower speeds at higher prices. This funding is helping bridge the digital divide by empowering communities to build and control their own internet infrastructure, fostering local economic development and improving access to essential services.
Hacker News commenters generally lauded the ARPA-funded community-owned fiber initiatives. Several pointed out the significant difference between publicly owned/community-owned networks and the usual private ISP model, highlighting the potential for better service, lower prices, and local control. Some expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability and scalability of these projects, questioning whether the initial funding would be enough and if these smaller networks could compete with established giants. Others noted the importance of community engagement and technical expertise for success. A recurring theme was the frustration with existing ISPs and their perceived lack of investment in underserved areas, with commenters expressing hope that these community projects could serve as a model for broader change. Several commenters also discussed the regulatory hurdles and lobbying power of incumbent ISPs, emphasizing the need for continued public support and advocacy for these alternative models.
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ordered internet providers to block access to the video platform Rumble within 72 hours. The platform is accused of failing to remove content promoting January 8th riots in Brasília and spreading disinformation about the Brazilian electoral system. Rumble was given a deadline to comply with removal orders, which it missed, leading to the ban. Justice Alexandre de Moraes argued that the platform's actions posed a risk to public order and democratic institutions.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of Brazil's ban on Rumble, questioning the justification and long-term effectiveness. Some argue that the ban is an overreach of power and sets a dangerous precedent for censorship, potentially emboldening other countries to follow suit. Others point out the technical challenges of enforcing such a ban, suggesting that determined users will likely find workarounds through VPNs. The decision's impact on Rumble's user base and revenue is also debated, with some predicting minimal impact while others foresee significant consequences, particularly if other countries adopt similar measures. A few commenters draw parallels to previous bans of platforms like Telegram, noting the limited success and potential for unintended consequences like driving users to less desirable platforms. The overall sentiment expresses concern over censorship and the slippery slope towards further restrictions on online content.
People without smartphones face increasing disadvantages in daily life as essential services like banking, healthcare, and parking increasingly rely on app-based access. Campaigners argue this digital exclusion unfairly penalizes vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals who may not be able to afford or operate a smartphone. This "app tyranny" limits access to basic services, creating a two-tiered system and exacerbating existing inequalities. They call for alternative access options to ensure inclusivity and prevent further marginalization of those without smartphones.
Hacker News commenters largely agree that over-reliance on smartphones creates unfair disadvantages for those without them, particularly regarding essential services and accessibility. Several point out the increasing difficulty of accessing healthcare, banking, and government services without a smartphone. Some commenters suggest this trend is driven by cost-cutting measures disguised as "convenience" and highlight the digital divide's impact on vulnerable populations. Others discuss the privacy implications of mandatory app usage and the lack of viable alternatives for those who prefer not to use smartphones. A few argue that while some inconvenience is inevitable with technological advancement, essential services should offer alternative access methods. The lack of meaningful competition in the mobile OS market is also mentioned as a contributing factor to the problem.
The blog post explores the feasibility and potential advantages of using existing telephone wiring (specifically the unused pairs in twisted-pair copper lines) for home networking. It highlights POTS's robust infrastructure and broad availability, even in areas lacking cable or fiber internet. The author discusses various modulation techniques like G.hn that could deliver speeds comparable to or exceeding current home network technologies while potentially offering better security and interference resistance than Wi-Fi. They also acknowledge challenges such as distance limitations, potential crosstalk with active phone lines (if present), and the need for new hardware. Overall, the post suggests that repurposing telephone wiring could be a viable and even superior alternative to traditional home networking methods.
Hacker News users generally found the idea of networking over phone lines intriguing, though impractical in most modern contexts. Several commenters discussed the technical details, pointing out limitations in bandwidth and the potential interference issues with existing phone services like DSL. Some reminisced about earlier phone networking attempts, including using BBS systems and dedicated phone-line networking hardware. The consensus was that while the technical challenge is interesting, existing solutions like Ethernet and WiFi are far superior for most residential networking needs, making this approach a novelty rather than a practical solution. A few users pointed out niche use cases, such as situations where running new cables is impossible or extremely difficult, suggesting a very limited potential application.
The Falkland Islands' sole fiber optic cable connecting them to the outside world is nearing its end-of-life, with a likely failure date in February 2025. This poses a significant risk of severing the islands' vital communication links, impacting everything from financial transactions to emergency services. While a replacement cable is planned, it won't be ready until 2027. Starlink is presented as a potential interim solution to maintain essential connectivity during this vulnerable period, with the article emphasizing the urgency of establishing a robust backup plan before the existing cable fails.
HN commenters are largely skeptical of the article's premise that Starlink represents a national emergency for the Falkland Islands. Several point out that the Falklands already has multiple fiber optic connections and existing satellite internet, making Starlink a welcome addition, not an existential threat. Others question the author's grasp of telecommunications, noting that banning Starlink wouldn't prevent Argentina from accessing the same global networks. The perceived conflation of network access with sovereignty and the lack of proposed solutions are also criticized. Some suggest the author may be pushing a specific agenda, possibly related to existing telecoms interests. The idea that Starlink somehow makes the Falklands more vulnerable to attack or influence is generally dismissed.
Thailand has disrupted utilities to a Myanmar border town notorious for housing online scam operations. The targeted area, Shwe Kokko, is reportedly a hub for Chinese-run criminal enterprises involved in various illicit activities, including online gambling, fraud, and human trafficking. By cutting off electricity and internet access, Thai authorities aim to hinder these operations and pressure Myanmar to address the issue. This action follows reports of thousands of people being trafficked to the area and forced to work in these scams.
Hacker News commenters are skeptical of the stated efficacy of Thailand cutting power and internet to Myanmar border towns to combat scam operations. Several suggest that the gangs are likely mobile and adaptable, easily relocating or using alternative power and internet sources like generators and satellite connections. Some highlight the collateral damage inflicted on innocent civilians and legitimate businesses in the affected areas. Others discuss the complexity of the situation, mentioning the involvement of corrupt officials and the difficulty of definitively attributing the outages to Thailand. The overall sentiment leans towards the action being a performative, ineffective measure rather than a genuine solution.
Google Fiber is expanding its ultra-fast internet service to Las Vegas. While specific neighborhoods and timing aren't yet available, Google Fiber confirms it's actively planning and designing the network infrastructure for the city, promising more details as the project progresses. This expansion marks a continuation of Google Fiber's recent growth into new metropolitan areas.
Hacker News commenters express skepticism about Google Fiber's expansion to Las Vegas. Several recall Google Fiber's previous entries into markets with much fanfare, followed by quiet retreats and scaled-back plans. Some doubt Google's ability to compete with existing entrenched providers, while others question the long-term viability of Fiber given Google's history. A few commenters welcome the increased competition and hope it will lead to better pricing and service, though this is tempered by the prevailing cynicism. Some discussion also revolved around the technological aspects, including the possibility of using existing fiber infrastructure and the challenges of deployment in a densely populated area. Overall, the sentiment is cautious, with many commenters adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43425655
HN commenters discuss Claude's new web search capability, with several expressing excitement about its potential to challenge Google's dominance. Some praise Claude's more conversational and contextual search results compared to traditional keyword-based approaches. Concerns were raised about the lack of source links in the initial version, potentially hindering fact-checking and further exploration. However, Anthropic quickly responded to this criticism, stating they were actively working on incorporating source links and planned to release the feature soon. Several users noted Claude's strengths in summarizing and synthesizing information, suggesting its potential usefulness for research and complex queries. Comparisons were made to Perplexity AI, another conversational search engine, with some users finding Claude more conversational and less prone to hallucinations. There's general optimism about the future of AI-powered search and Claude's role in it.
The Hacker News post "Claude can now search the web" discussing Anthropic's announcement of web search capabilities for their Claude AI model has generated a number of comments. Several commenters express excitement and interest in trying out the new feature. Some compare Claude's web search capabilities to other AI models with similar functionality, such as PerplexityAI and Bing's integration of GPT. A few users highlight the potential advantages of Claude, including its constitutional AI approach focused on safety and helpfulness, and its ability to handle larger contexts.
A significant point of discussion revolves around the freshness of Claude's search results. Some commenters note that Claude's knowledge base seems to cut off in early 2023 and question how the integration of web search will address this limitation. Others speculate about the underlying search engine used by Claude, with some suggesting it might be Bing. There's also discussion about the cost and accessibility of using Claude with web search compared to other options.
Several users share their personal experiences and anecdotes about using Claude and other AI search tools. Some express a preference for Claude's conversational style and its ability to provide summaries and explanations. Others discuss the trade-offs between accuracy, speed, and cost when choosing between different AI search tools.
Some technical details are also discussed, such as the use of constitutional AI and its implications for the reliability and safety of search results. Commenters also touch upon the potential impact of these advancements on the future of search and information access. A few comments raise concerns about potential biases and the importance of transparency in how these AI models are trained and used.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of enthusiasm for the potential of Claude's web search capabilities, curiosity about its implementation and performance, and cautious optimism about the future of AI-powered search. There is a clear interest in understanding how Claude differentiates itself from existing solutions and what benefits it offers to users.