Mārtiņš Vaivars
@martinsvaivars.bsky.social
Work on technology – co-founder of RivalSense.co and Auditry.io. Care about music, friends, democracy, and books.
Pinned
Priekšlikumi soc. tīklu regulācijai, lai nepamostamies autoritārismā:
(1) Visi lietotāji identificēti ar internetbanku, Smart ID u.c.. Nekādu botu un daudz dārgāk pirkt troļļus.
(2) Apskatāms newsfeed algoritms, spēja pašam pirkt/atnest algoritmus
(3) Garantēti 10% newsfeed sabiedriskajiem medijiem
(1) Visi lietotāji identificēti ar internetbanku, Smart ID u.c.. Nekādu botu un daudz dārgāk pirkt troļļus.
(2) Apskatāms newsfeed algoritms, spēja pašam pirkt/atnest algoritmus
(3) Garantēti 10% newsfeed sabiedriskajiem medijiem
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Evidence of Russian war crimes “means nothing” if no credible criminal judicial process follows, warns Gyunduz Mamedov. “The sad fact is that Ukraine cannot uphold justice alone”
Russia must get no amnesty in any peace deal for Ukraine
Gyunduz Mamedov, a lawyer-turned-soldier, fears the West will acquiesce in the Kremlin’s bid to undermine justice
econ.st
November 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Evidence of Russian war crimes “means nothing” if no credible criminal judicial process follows, warns Gyunduz Mamedov. “The sad fact is that Ukraine cannot uphold justice alone”
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Just a periodic reminder.
Wish people would stop saying Trump has done a U-turn on Ukraine. He does this every few weeks. Putin then makes a violent point of ignoring him. Trump's alleged change of heart is just a prelude to his next humiliation by Putin.
November 25, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Just a periodic reminder.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
X exposing political accounts' location shows why trust and safety teams mattered: to combat coordinated inauthentic behavior, not "censorship" of viewpoints (Mike Masnick/Techdirt)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
November 25, 2025 at 11:10 AM
X exposing political accounts' location shows why trust and safety teams mattered: to combat coordinated inauthentic behavior, not "censorship" of viewpoints (Mike Masnick/Techdirt)
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Main Link | Techmeme Permalink
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
My latest commentary: how to populist-proof your democracy before it's too late…
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My guide to populist-proofing your democracy – before it’s too late | Timothy Garton Ash
From public service broadcasting to an independent judiciary, these are the things that we must fight to keep, says Guardian columnist Timothy Garton Ash
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
My latest commentary: how to populist-proof your democracy before it's too late…
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Although the scale of this is still to be assessed, this is the inevitable outcome of the monetization of the algorithm. Rage-bait becomes a personal revenue model. Nothing about this should be a surprise.
NEWS: I spent the past 24 hours going through major MAGA accounts on Twitter, and a bombshell development has become clear: most of the right-wing ecosphere is being fed propaganda from foreign actors.
This impacts elections. This impacts discourse. This is major. Subscribe to support my work:
This impacts elections. This impacts discourse. This is major. Subscribe to support my work:
NEWS: Major MAGA Accounts on Twitter Exposed as Foreign Actors
A stunning development over the past 24 hours.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Although the scale of this is still to be assessed, this is the inevitable outcome of the monetization of the algorithm. Rage-bait becomes a personal revenue model. Nothing about this should be a surprise.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
It’s hilarious and revelatory that a bunch of giant MAGA/America First X accounts are actually based in Eastern Europe and Nigeria.
Top MAGA Influencers Accidentally Unmasked as Foreign Actors
A new feature on Elon Musk’s X has given deeper insight into the online “America First” movement.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 23, 2025 at 3:07 PM
It’s hilarious and revelatory that a bunch of giant MAGA/America First X accounts are actually based in Eastern Europe and Nigeria.
Kāds % ar profiliem Latvijas Facebook un X nav no Latvijas? Kāds % no profiliem nav īsti cilvēki?
Atkal -- šo varētu sekundē apturēt ar vienkāršu prasību. Reģistrēties / reizēm atsvaidzināties ar Smart ID vai citu digitālu identitātes pierādījumu. Eiropa nav gatava aizstāvēt savu demokrātijas telpu
Atkal -- šo varētu sekundē apturēt ar vienkāršu prasību. Reģistrēties / reizēm atsvaidzināties ar Smart ID vai citu digitālu identitātes pierādījumu. Eiropa nav gatava aizstāvēt savu demokrātijas telpu
Twitter pays people based on engagement (views, retweets, comments, etc). It appears that many MAGA accounts are based abroad and they use AI technology to generate low-effort rage bait.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
My guess is that this will get worse as AI tech improves. For instance, fake videos of minorities doing crime.
November 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Kāds % ar profiliem Latvijas Facebook un X nav no Latvijas? Kāds % no profiliem nav īsti cilvēki?
Atkal -- šo varētu sekundē apturēt ar vienkāršu prasību. Reģistrēties / reizēm atsvaidzināties ar Smart ID vai citu digitālu identitātes pierādījumu. Eiropa nav gatava aizstāvēt savu demokrātijas telpu
Atkal -- šo varētu sekundē apturēt ar vienkāršu prasību. Reģistrēties / reizēm atsvaidzināties ar Smart ID vai citu digitālu identitātes pierādījumu. Eiropa nav gatava aizstāvēt savu demokrātijas telpu
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Be in no doubt that this is a perilous moment. America’s proposal prescribes a deeply insecure future for Ukraine and richly rewards Vladimir Putin’s aggression
Donald Trump’s peace plan would be bad for Ukraine, Europe and America
It is a sad mix of naked opportunism and strategic myopia
econ.st
November 23, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Be in no doubt that this is a perilous moment. America’s proposal prescribes a deeply insecure future for Ukraine and richly rewards Vladimir Putin’s aggression
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Ja uznāk dusmas par to, ka ASV mēģina piespiest Ukrainu padoties, atgādinu, ka mums ir iespēja ne tikai dusmoties, bet arī atbalstīt Ukrainu. Piemēram, caur stopify.org.ua Ja kāds no maniem sekotājiem vēl nav pierakstījies, iesaku to izdarīt.
Stream a small monthly donation to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine finish the war sooner
Join https://stopify.org.ua and help the Armed Forces of Ukraine finish the war sooner!
stopify.org.ua
November 22, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Ja uznāk dusmas par to, ka ASV mēģina piespiest Ukrainu padoties, atgādinu, ka mums ir iespēja ne tikai dusmoties, bet arī atbalstīt Ukrainu. Piemēram, caur stopify.org.ua Ja kāds no maniem sekotājiem vēl nav pierakstījies, iesaku to izdarīt.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Btw, I do hope people understand what they have seen today. It was a well-planned and deliberate ambush of Ukraine by Trump, to force the Ukrainians to bend the knee to Putin's dictatorship. It was not slip-shod, rushed, impulsive or an accident. It was prepared malice.
November 22, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Btw, I do hope people understand what they have seen today. It was a well-planned and deliberate ambush of Ukraine by Trump, to force the Ukrainians to bend the knee to Putin's dictatorship. It was not slip-shod, rushed, impulsive or an accident. It was prepared malice.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
The party that promised "free speech on campus" has made sure there can be no free speech on campuses.
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
November 21, 2025 at 4:25 AM
The party that promised "free speech on campus" has made sure there can be no free speech on campuses.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
November 21, 2025 at 7:08 AM
All the rape, torture, and murder will be brushed under the carpet, a great lesson for any future war criminals.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
See also Curtis Yarvin's remarks in a recent Oxford lecture:
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
November 18, 2025 at 10:22 PM
See also Curtis Yarvin's remarks in a recent Oxford lecture:
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
"Say what you want about MBS, he's quite an effective king I think in a lot of different ways. Um love the Ritz thing, the whole Saudi embassy thing, I don't know, but I mean he was a journalist". [Giggles]
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXYl...
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Governments and voters are both reacting to algorithm-shaped “public opinion,” not grounded priorities. Immigration feels urgent because platforms amplify fear, pulling parties into hollow performances of toughness. The far right reads that drift as confirmation it’s winning.
Not everyone is unhappy about the Government's descent into anti-refugee politics
November 16, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Governments and voters are both reacting to algorithm-shaped “public opinion,” not grounded priorities. Immigration feels urgent because platforms amplify fear, pulling parties into hollow performances of toughness. The far right reads that drift as confirmation it’s winning.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
A new spectre looms over democracy: prediction markets on.ft.com/47Yst1f | opinion
A new spectre looms over democracy: prediction markets
They offer a troubling opportunity to manipulate public perceptions of the outcome of political events
on.ft.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:25 AM
A new spectre looms over democracy: prediction markets on.ft.com/47Yst1f | opinion
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Ja nu nevar atvērt (jo es nevarēju), tad te saite:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf8a...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf8a...
Rigged: Undercover in a fake news network - BBC World Service Documentaries
YouTube video by BBC World Service
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Ja nu nevar atvērt (jo es nevarēju), tad te saite:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf8a...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf8a...
Šis BBC pētnieciskās žurnālistikas raidījums par Krievijas iejaukšanos Moldovas vēlēšanās būtu perfekti piemērots, lai kāds LV kanāls to iztulkotu un pārraidītu -- visas pašreizējās Latvijas tēmas www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Eye Investigations - Rigged: Undercover in a Fake News Network
BBC Eye goes undercover in a fake news network spreading propaganda in Moldova.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Šis BBC pētnieciskās žurnālistikas raidījums par Krievijas iejaukšanos Moldovas vēlēšanās būtu perfekti piemērots, lai kāds LV kanāls to iztulkotu un pārraidītu -- visas pašreizējās Latvijas tēmas www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
'BBC Bias' Memo Was Authored by Lobbyist Tied to Pro-Trump Tech Giants
The leaked memo that fuelled Trump’s attack on the BBC was written by a lobbyist at a firm paid by US tech giants tied to the President
bylinetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:19 PM
🧵On our revelations today about the BBC Coup and the Prescott Dossier.
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
The leaked ‘BBC Bias’ memo Trump used to attack the BBC was authored by Michael Prescott — a Hanover lobbyist paid by US tech/media giants tied to Trump. Full story: bylinetimes.com/2025/11/11/b... 1/12
Sky News -- How Elon Musk is Boosting the British Right news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
How the world's richest man is boosting the British right
How the world's richest man is boosting the British right
news.sky.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Sky News -- How Elon Musk is Boosting the British Right news.sky.com/story/the-x-...
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Atriebība par protestu.
ZZS grib sodīt tos, kuri aizstāvēja sieviešu tiesības - kancelēt pilsonisko sabiedrību kopā ar medijiem.
Tas ir tiešs uzbrukums Latvijas demokrātijai.
IDENTISKI Gruzijai, Ungārijai, Krievijai, Trampam.
ZZS grib sodīt tos, kuri aizstāvēja sieviešu tiesības - kancelēt pilsonisko sabiedrību kopā ar medijiem.
Tas ir tiešs uzbrukums Latvijas demokrātijai.
IDENTISKI Gruzijai, Ungārijai, Krievijai, Trampam.
Mārtiņš Hiršs: Atriebība par protestu. ZZS grib pakļaut NVO un medijus politiķiem
Tā ir demokrātijas imūnsistēma: ja politiķi sāk slimot ar korupciju, cinismu vai autoritārismu, pilsoniskā sabiedrība ir pirmā, kas paceļ temperatūru un signalizē – "kaut kas nav kārtībā".
www.delfi.lv
November 12, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Atriebība par protestu.
ZZS grib sodīt tos, kuri aizstāvēja sieviešu tiesības - kancelēt pilsonisko sabiedrību kopā ar medijiem.
Tas ir tiešs uzbrukums Latvijas demokrātijai.
IDENTISKI Gruzijai, Ungārijai, Krievijai, Trampam.
ZZS grib sodīt tos, kuri aizstāvēja sieviešu tiesības - kancelēt pilsonisko sabiedrību kopā ar medijiem.
Tas ir tiešs uzbrukums Latvijas demokrātijai.
IDENTISKI Gruzijai, Ungārijai, Krievijai, Trampam.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie has told staff that the broadcaster must 'fight' for its journalism, as its board considers Donald Trump's threatened $1bn lawsuit. on.ft.com/43p0y9i
November 11, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie has told staff that the broadcaster must 'fight' for its journalism, as its board considers Donald Trump's threatened $1bn lawsuit. on.ft.com/43p0y9i
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
From a fascist point of view everybody has an agenda and the "truth" is just what people want it to be, so of course there is "propaganda" everywhere. There is no coincidence that fascists hate journalists so much, good journalists seek truth and an objective truth is fascism's biggest opponent.
The Russian Embassy in London has called the BBC, Britain’s public service broadcaster, a “propaganda and disinformation tool” that was full of “ideological dogma.”
Russia joins Trump’s BBC pile-on
Moscow’s Embassy in London said “ideological dogma has replaced journalistic ethics” at the corporation.
www.politico.eu
November 11, 2025 at 11:24 AM
From a fascist point of view everybody has an agenda and the "truth" is just what people want it to be, so of course there is "propaganda" everywhere. There is no coincidence that fascists hate journalists so much, good journalists seek truth and an objective truth is fascism's biggest opponent.
Reposted by Mārtiņš Vaivars
Saņēmu apstiprinājumu, ka lasu pareizi. ZZS (Rokpelnis) piedāvā likvidēt arī visus atbalsta mehānismus kvalitatīvai žurnālistikai - reģionāli, diasporā un valsts mērogā.
November 8, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Saņēmu apstiprinājumu, ka lasu pareizi. ZZS (Rokpelnis) piedāvā likvidēt arī visus atbalsta mehānismus kvalitatīvai žurnālistikai - reģionāli, diasporā un valsts mērogā.