This issue explores identity verification protocols and their societal implications while featuring a guest talk on alignment protocols for AI agents, which propose using purpose-driven roles and swarm-like dynamics to coordinate collective intelligences. The alignment protocol approach draws from nature-inspired swarm behavior and classical economic division of labor to solve the coordination problem of distributed AI agents.
Circadia explores a world where sleep is perfectly regulated by wearable technology that monitors and controls dreams, following protagonist Kemi as she experiences an anomalous recurring dream that breaks the system's design—a dream that shouldn't be remembered but is, suggesting something unexpected in the protocol. The issue also announces a guest talk on poetry, protocols, and infinite games with Robert Peake.
Afeez
This editorial issue presents a collection of protocol studies content including a second-place fiction submission from Terminological Twists, a streamlined corporate talk on protocol thinking, and coverage of SoP25 teaching fellows and emerging technology topics. The opening narrative frames the issue through a protagonist's experience of excessive travel and hyperconnected notifications across global destinations.
Étienne Fortier-Dubois
This issue explores the legal concept of the 'reasonable person' standard and its potential mathematical formalization, while launching a creative contest for readers. The opening excerpt introduces a speculative narrative set in Halverton Smart City, where an AI system called a 'Partial' monitors and optimizes a resident's behaviors, raising questions about personalization, autonomy, and algorithmic governance.
Marie-Hélène Lebeault
Topics