The internet in late 2025 is a collision of escalating crises, bizarre tech pivots, and bureaucratic overreach. Here’s a snapshot of the most unsettling developments:
OpenAI’s Shadow Side
Reports of child exploitation content on OpenAI platforms have spiked this year. The increase highlights a grim reality: even the most advanced AI systems struggle to moderate abuse. This isn’t just a technical failure; it’s a consequence of scale and unchecked growth. The more users and data, the harder it becomes to police harmful content effectively.
The Iverson-AI Rebellion
A Chrome extension now exists that replaces all AI-related LinkedIn posts with facts about Allen Iverson. The creator calls this “taking back control of the internet.” This is more than a prank. It’s a small act of defiance against the relentless algorithmic takeover of public discourse.
Epstein Files Released… Partially
The Justice Department finally released hundreds of thousands of pages related to Jeffrey Epstein, per a congressional mandate. However, full transparency remains elusive. The files are still incomplete, raising questions about what the government continues to conceal.
Brain-Computer Interfaces Go Commercial
Sam Altman’s new venture, Merge Labs, is spinning out of a nonprofit to commercialize brain-computer interfaces using ultrasound. The goal is to read brain activity. The implications are vast, raising privacy concerns and the potential for misuse.
DOGE Operatives in Government
Former DOGE operatives have infiltrated government agencies. George Foote, ex-USIP counsel, described DOGE’s entry as a “strike team.” Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE engineer, is now a career employee at the IRS, expecting to remain there for a decade. This suggests a coordinated effort to embed these operatives within critical infrastructure.
Iran’s Water Crisis Deepens
Tehran is facing a “Day Zero” scenario due to shifting weather patterns and scorching summers. The water crisis is not just environmental; it’s political. Water scarcity will exacerbate existing tensions and trigger further unrest.
Signal Security Remains Flawed
An Inspector General report on Secretary Hegseth’s classified text messaging mess recommends just one change to avoid a repeat debacle. The fix is insufficient. The underlying issue remains: human error and inadequate security protocols.
Avatar Game Outshines the Movies
The Avatar video game is now considered superior to the actual films. This shift reflects the changing entertainment landscape. Immersive gaming experiences are surpassing traditional media in quality and engagement.
Vimeo’s Aggressive Discounts
Vimeo is offering steep discounts—25% off memberships, 40% off select plans, plus additional savings on annual subscriptions. The promotions suggest the company is struggling to retain subscribers in a crowded streaming market.
DHS Data Grab Threatens Citizens
The Department of Homeland Security’s aggressive data merging policies put US citizens at risk. The expansion of surveillance, originally intended for immigration enforcement, is now ensnaring innocent individuals in bureaucratic errors and potential abuses.
Uncanny Valley Looks Ahead
The podcast Uncanny Valley is entering a new chapter, looking back at 2025 and projecting forward to 2026. The focus is on the accelerating pace of technological disruption and the increasingly blurred lines between reality and simulation.
The underlying trend is clear: late 2025 is a period of unchecked power, escalating crises, and a growing sense that the systems meant to protect us are failing. The chaos is not accidental; it’s the inevitable outcome of unchecked technological ambition and bureaucratic incompetence.
