**Web Review, Week 2026-03**

A comprehensive review of the latest developments in the tech world, covering innovations, industry trends, and key events.

**European Commission Issues Call for Evidence on Open Source**

The European Commission has issued a call for evidence on open source software, specifically regarding the Go programming language. This is a significant development for those interested in Free Software, as it highlights the importance of open source in modern technology. The call for evidence aims to gather input from various stakeholders, including developers, users, and organizations, to inform future policy decisions.

**US Tech Giants Ally with European Far-Right to Strip Back EU Rules**

A disturbing trend has emerged, where US tech giants are allying with European far-right parties to strip back EU regulations. This move is part of a larger effort to further their grip on the tech industry and consolidate their power. The European Union's sleepwalking on this issue is concerning, as it threatens the very fabric of digital democracy.

**So, You've Hit an Age Gate. What Now?**

Age gates have become a ubiquitous feature in online services, but their impact on users' privacy is being largely ignored by regulators. These gates are yet another layer of surveillance for large parts of the population, raising important questions about data protection and user autonomy.

**The Next Thing Will Not Be Big**

A thought-provoking article explores the growing rift between Open Source projects used by hyperscalers and those used by smaller businesses and individuals. The author argues that developers should focus on creating software for the latter group, as it aligns with their values of openness and collaboration.

**Four More Tech Bloggers Switch to Linux**

The trend continues: more tech bloggers are switching to Linux. This development is a welcome sign for the growing popularity of the Linux desktop user base, which shows no signs of slowing down in 2026.

**How Markdown Took Over the World**

A fascinating piece explores the history and success of Markdown, a lightweight markup language that has become ubiquitous in the tech world. From its humble beginnings to its current widespread adoption, Markdown's story is one of innovation and perseverance.

**Mailing Lists vs Discourse Forums: Open Source Communities or Commodities?**

An interesting article delves into the merits and drawbacks of mailing lists versus Discourse forums as platforms for open source communities. While forums may offer some advantages, they are no substitute for the intimacy and discussion that mailing lists provide.

**I'm The Captain Now: Hijacking a Global Ocean Supply Chain Network**

A cautionary tale highlights the importance of securing APIs and secrets in software development. The consequences of neglecting this responsibility can be severe, as demonstrated by the hijacking of a global ocean supply chain network.

**New Social Web Working Group at W3C**

A welcome development at the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the new Social Web Working Group aims to improve the standards and stewardship for social media platforms. This move has the potential to bring significant benefits, including better handling of HTTP rate limiting.

**AI Coding Degrades: Silent Failures Emerge**

A concerning trend is emerging in AI-powered coding assistants: silent failures are becoming increasingly common. These issues raise important questions about the training data used for these models and the ethics of relying on them for critical tasks.

**AI, Machine Learning, and the Future of Work**

An in-depth article explores the impact of AI and machine learning on the modern workplace. While these technologies promise to improve productivity, they also pose significant risks, including job displacement and decreased quality of work.

**The Coolest Feature in Python 3.14**

A fascinating piece highlights a recent development in Python 3.14: the ability to debug locally using a clever hack. This feature has the potential to revolutionize the way developers troubleshoot their code.

**Handling Secrets Somewhat Securely in Shells**

A practical article offers advice on how to manipulate secrets securely in shells, avoiding leakage and ensuring data protection.

**How Safe is the Rust Ecosystem? A Deep Dive into Crates.io**

A growing concern in the Rust community: the safety of the ecosystem. An in-depth examination of crates.io reveals issues that need to be addressed, highlighting the importance of supply chain security in modern software development.

**Rendering Nice Clouds in Real Time**

A comprehensive walkthrough explores the process of rendering high-quality clouds in real-time graphics using shaders and physics-based techniques.

**Learning Different Programming Languages**

An engaging piece highlights the benefits of learning different programming languages to break out of habits and develop new skills. This approach can lead to significant improvements in productivity, creativity, and craftsmanship.

**The PERFECT Code Review: How to Reduce Cognitive Load While Improving Quality**

A thought-provoking article offers insights into how to frame code reviews for maximum impact. By focusing on the biggest constraint and avoiding unnecessary complexity, developers can improve quality while reducing cognitive load.

**Toyota Culture 20 Years Later: Why Jeffrey Liker's Lessons Still Matter**

A reflective piece examines the enduring legacy of Toyota's management principles, as outlined by Jeffrey Liker in his book "The Toyota Way". This article highlights key lessons that are still relevant today, emphasizing the importance of trust, leadership, and problem-solving.