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US Funding Stealth Internets to Circumvent Repressive Regimes

Posted by samzenpus on from the under-the-radar dept.

snydeq writes "The Obama administration is leading a global effort to deploy 'shadow' Internet and mobile phone systems that dissidents can use to undermine repressive governments that seek to silence them by censoring or shutting down telecommunications networks. According to a report from CBS News: '...by the end of the year the State Department will have spent $70 million on efforts to provide alternate pathways for dissidents to access the Internet and telecommunications services. One group received $2 million to develop an "Internet in a suitcase" that could be easily carried and set up in a foreign country.'"

7 of 289 comments (clear)

  1. Is it just me... by Max+Romantschuk · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...or doesn't this seem a little hypocritical in light of how the whole Wikileaks thing has been handled?

    --
    .: Max Romantschuk :: http://max.romantschuk.fi/
    1. Re:Is it just me... by gilbert644 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Every government limits freedom, its inherent to its role.

    2. Re:Is it just me... by amiga3D · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Indeed. Government is a necessary evil. That government is best which governs least. The kind of thing you don't hear much anymore as it's gone out of style.

  2. No it's not just you.. by Finallyjoined!!! · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What would happen if there were, just for arguments sake, dissident Americans........
    Pause..

    --
    If I had an Ass, I'd call it Fanny Bottom, then I could slap my Ass; Fanny Bottom, on the Arse.
    1. Re:No it's not just you.. by obarthelemy · · Score: 5, Insightful

      we'd call those terrorists, and patriot-act them.

      --
      The Cloud - because you don't care if your apps and data are up in the air.
  3. Umm.. didn't they just say.. by SuperCharlie · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This kinda thing is an act of war?

  4. Re:America the Land of Liberty! by atriusofbricia · · Score: 5, Insightful

    America the Land of Liberty*. Freeing the people from oppression**

    *Note: Liberty is only available other countries.

    **Does not count for people living in America

    I'll bite.. Will I get thrown in jail for saying Obama is a dick? No? Oh, so I suppose I'll get sent to GITMO for saying that the government is crap? Won't happen?

    I know, I'll get thrown in jail for traveling to another state without permission.. oh.. not happening either?

    Prevented by the government from visiting or moving to another country? Damn, nope.. not that either..

    Disallowed from owning guns, property, practicing my religion or protesting peacefully?

    I'll find random politically objectionable websites filtered on a national scale? Well damn, not that either.

    So what exactly is this oppression you're speaking of? I'm not saying it's perfect, but where is better and more free?

    --
    I was raised on the command line, bitch

    "Nemo me impune lacesset"