It's different in that none of this is actually science fiction, but just science. All the tech is already there. There's just one more step until we reach AI level.
In 1956 it was impossible. Today, all of this is almost here.
The path to AI is inevitable, but it branches into many - we should try and find a way to pick the right one before we reach the crossroads.
It's not about centralization, imo. An out of control AI will be able to harvest this data from wherever - Google just has the best starting set and the most robust data stream to make the initial leap, I think. But I agree with moving away from Google as much as possible, though FF is dubious - it's both a mediocre browser and will, as you say, introduce ads.
For evidence, see the WaitButWht post linked in the article. Also, the book Superintelligence. It won't be about following advice, the AI will instantly overpower humanity. You won't have an option.
> Non-performance is an equally valuable part of the study
If you could submit links to a non-framework app or two you've built, and elaborate on why you don't use them in your answer, it would also be tremendously helpful.