Science/Technology

A few weeks ago someone found that fake cellphone towers known as "stingrays" were very common in Washington DC, especially near government buildings. Now, vice.com has published a report that the Metropolitan Police Department is using them. The report states that in 2008, MPD began using the briefcase-size cell tower simulators they had originally obtained from an "anti-terror" grant years ago in ordinary "criminal" investigations. I strongly suspect that includes their illegal investigations of animal rights groups such as DARTT and of other activist groups such as Occupy DC.

On the 1st of July, net neutrality activists returned to the offices of the FCC, this time staging a tog of war between "the Big Telecoms" and "the People" with FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler as a bystander. Suddenly, Chairman Wheeler changed his mind, joined on the side of the people, and the resulting greater force pulled down Comcast, Verizon, and At&T.

Musical video on Archive featuring corporate bribery of the FCC and Tug of War

On the 15th of May, protesters banged bucket drums and bells outside the FCC while commissioners gathered to vote on "paid prioritization" of content. Ignoring the sound of people's anger from outside, and ejecting four activists who got into the hearing, they voted 3-2 to permit "paid prioritization" of content.

Downloadable video on archive.org

The occupation of the area around FCC headquarters has been extended until the May 15 vote on net neutrality or the Chairman's proposal to do away with it. On that day a larger noise demonstration will take place at 9AM outside the FCC, to ensure the voice of the people is heard inside.

May 9th Youtube video update on FCC/net neutrality situation