[Commotion-discuss] concerns about the NYT / mo jo mesh articles

[Preston Rhea]

It's an understandable concern. See this article from last year in
which the CTO of DC has concerns that mesh networking can support the
"terrorist community:"
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2012/01/11/meet-the-new-ish-boss-chief-technology-officer-rob-mancini/

But that's why it is our job to get out in front and tell stories of
how this is beneficial to people and peaceful community - bringing
folks together, supporting communication in times of need, pioneering
innovation platforms outside of the VC pipeline.

On Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 3:00 PM, Anthony Townsend <amt3 at nyu.edu> wrote:
> i agree - great this is being seen as a movement.
>
> is anyone else disturbed by the trend towards painting this as a potential threat to national security? you are all a bunch of renegades trying to hide from the NSA?
>
> whether that’s true or not, its an incredibly sensational angle and creates the potential for serious backlash. when i read both of these articles in my mind i immediately saw Verizon lobbyists descending on Trenton with re-prints and legislation blocking mesh networks attached.
>
> maybe I’m paranoid but this reminds me very much of the days when NYCwireless were being called “wireless pirates” even though we weren’t doing anything illegal. then Philly, then all the steakhouse bans on muni.
>
> maybe this is not the place for it, but just wanted to raise a counterpoint to all the high-5ing
>
>
>
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-- 
Preston Rhea
Field Analyst, Open Technology Institute
New America Foundation
+1-202-570-9770
Twitter: @prestonrhea