US Seeks 'Shadow' Internet, Mobile Networks in Repressive Countries

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This is the VOA Special English Technology Report, from http://voaspecialenglish.com | http://facebook.com/voalearningenglish The Obama administration is leading an effort to deploy what some people call liberation technology in repressive countries. The New York Times reported that these efforts include "shadow" Internet and mobile phone systems. These are secret networks designed to operate independently of a government's control. Dissidents in the Middle East, North Africa and other countries are increasingly using the Internet, social media and mobile phones. Some governments have taken steps to block or spy on their communications. Officials in Egypt shut down Internet connections in February in a failed attempt to stop democracy protests. The Syrian government recently took similar action. Ken Berman is the director of information security at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the parent agency of Voice of America. He says the State Department is looking at ways for cyber dissidents and activists to communicate among themselves using independent networks. The New York Times reported that one of these projects is known as "Internet in a suitcase." The idea is to put equipment in a suitcase that could be secretly transported across a border. Then it could be used to quickly establish a wireless Internet connection over a wide area. Another project seeks to avoid Taliban interference with cellphone networks in Afghanistan by using towers on American bases.

Published 2011-07-26 · Watch on YouTube ↗
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