Now here are some [i]real[/i] hackers! More strength to their arm!

[hazel]

Apparently a group of hackers are trying to create an uncensorable alternative internet in space. They intend to use the satellites that are currently used by radio hams; these are in low earth orbit so they are not geostationary and will need to be tracked.

A network of volunteer base stations will be created. Each will consist of a home computer connected to an aerial, which can be self-built or purchased for about 80 pounds. The computer will run software that can connect to Constellation, a network of big computers that do scientific number-crunching. The aerials will triangulate the position of the satellites so that signals can be bounced off them.

Try putting "hackerspace global grid" into Google and you'll find plenty about it.

[MASONTX]

I can see the reason for countries like China, Syria, Iran, etc., but what benefits would this project bring to members of the forum in western countries?

[cynwulf]

If you think your internet browsing is not under surveillance or being censored just because you happen to live in a western country then I'm afraid you're very much mistaken.

[MASONTX]

Yes, I understand censorship of porn sites, like kiddie porn, and monitoring of access to sites that are contrary to US interest, such as terrorist training sites, but what would a US citizen get from the pirate net they couldn't from the regular internet other than that? Sites you visit will still want to plant tracking cookies on your system and gather customer info, so other than Washington not having a file on your browsing habits, what would you gain?

[hazel]

I think the whole thing was triggered by SOPA. That generated a lot of anger among Internet users.

[TaZMAniac]

SOPA and Protect IP has many people worried.
There are no checks and balances to either of these proposed laws.
No court order needed. Just takes one of the big media companies to scream "PIRATE! and the site is history.

Doesn't sound too bad until they start going after whole blocks of ip addresses
What happens when they ban the whole block of addresses in which this forum happens to be one of them just because of some 'bad' site within that block of ip's?

Also many governments monitor the internet in their delusional quest for terrorists or written thoughts that don't conform to their standards.
According to some law enforcement guidelines and quotes from a select few big businessmen, people who use Linux are terrorists.

Why? Because the freedom it provides, the ability to modify anything within the operating system and the biggest reason.... Not putting money into Microsoft and Apple's pockets!

I digress.
Sorry.
I hope this project takes off and they pull it off.
We need more hackers like this.

[cousinlucky]

A Totally Independent Internet Is Needed!