This article highlights three software tools—Blender, OBS, and Penpot—that prioritize user needs over profit. The author argues that these examples show it’s possible to create technology that values openness and community rather than succumbing to ad-driven models.

Password Monitor is an open-source application that helps users verify if their passwords have been compromised in data breaches by integrating with Have I Been Pwned?. It prioritizes user privacy, does not collect personal data, and allows users to verify the integrity of the application files through SHA-256 hashing. The app features a modern design and supports both light and dark themes without ads.

Google, in collaboration with NVIDIA and HiddenLayer, has launched a stable version of its model signing library to enhance trust in machine learning models through cryptographic signing. This initiative aims to address security threats in the ML supply chain by allowing users to verify the integrity and provenance of models, thereby mitigating risks associated with malicious tampering. Future goals include extending model signing to datasets and automating incident response processes in the ML ecosystem.