James Ball

Commentary by James Ball

From the commentary rail — every link leaves the site for the original piece.

• 25 August 2026 · TransformerWe’re sleepwalking into an AI surveillance dystopiaThe technology needed for industrial-scale observation exists — and is already in widespread use
• 6 May 2026 · TransformerPalantir’s controversy is the productPalantir’s fiery rhetoric helps mystify its mostly mundane tech — propping up its share price and preserving its national security contracts
• 12 February 2026 · TransformerWhy the AI industry can’t resist dirty on-site gas turbinesExpect others to follow in Elon Musk’s footsteps — there’s a logic to on-site gas power that the industry is unlikely to reject
• 2 December 2025 · TransformerCan AI embrace whistleblowing?As Anthropic prepares to publish its whistleblowing policy, can the industry make the most of protecting those who speak out?
• 16 October 2025 · TransformerWhat happens when the AI bubble bursts?The world is prepping for an AI crash. History points to what that might look like
• 9 September 2025 · TransformerWe’re getting the argument about AI's environmental impact all wrongIndividual ChatGPT queries are a rounding error — we need to think about the future
• 19 August 2025 · TransformerAnthropic’s piracy could make its copyright battle existentialAnthropic could have to pay billions in damages — and others may follow