Website Posts Tools of Concern

A Homeland Security Report reader provided the next bit of information.  The web links (below) display a series of tools that (in my opinion) provide questionable tools and support subversive organizations.

Pamphleteer: A Propaganda Robot for Cultural Resistance.
Pamphleteer, aka “Little Brother,” is a propaganda robot which distributes subversive literature.
URL: http://www.appliedautonomy.com/lb.html

GraffitiWriter: A tele-operated field programmable robot which employs a custom built array of spray cans to write linear text messages on the ground at a rate of 15 kilometers per hour. The printing process is similar to that of a dot matrix printer. GraffitiWriter can be deployed in any highly controlled space or public event from a remote location.
URL: http://www.appliedautonomy.com/gw.html

StreetWriter: Expands on the research gained from the successes of the Robotic GraffitiWriter project. The system consists of a custom built, computer controlled industrial spray painting unit that is built into an extended-body cargo van. The expanded width of StreetWriter allows for messages and simple graphics legible from tall buildings and low flying aircraft and is capable of rendering messages that are several hundred feet in length.
URL:  http://www.appliedautonomy.com/sw.html

TXTmob: A free service that lets you quickly and easily broadcast txt messages to friends, comrades, and total strangers. The format is similar to an email b-board system. You can sign up to send and receive up-to-the-minute messages from groups of people organized around a range of different topics.
URL:  http://www.appliedautonomy.com/txtmob.html

ISee: A web-based application charting the locations of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance cameras in urban environments. With iSee, users can find routes that avoid these cameras (“paths of least surveillance”) allowing them to walk around their cities without fear of being “caught on tape” by unregulated security monitors.
URL:  http://www.appliedautonomy.com/isee.html

Ok, here’s the issue. It is one thing to become politically active and pursue legal options; that is part of the democratic culture our nation is founded on. It becomes another entirely if a company markets equipment and advocates the use of defacing or vandalizing public property to support that agenda.  Unless the use of the GraffitiWriter or StreetWriter is hired by or given specific permission to paint on property by the owner, it sounds like vandalism to me.

The TXTmob, “service” they are offering is nothing more than a tool to allow collaboration, or in my opinion an electronic conspiracy option to commit an act of civil disobedience. After a look through the criminal code to see if this issue is covered, Title 18 U.S. Code § 231 (a) (3) Civil disorders, says:

Whoever commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function ”Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

During a civil disorder, wouldn’t the use of this service interfere with law enforcement’s ability to perform official duties? The Code discusses the adverse effect on commerce. During anti-war protests in San Francisco a few years back, anarchist groups quickly got out of control. The business district was shut down to protect the public. Given that, a civil disorder does impact commerce. It’s my opinion that given the Code, those using the service and the provider could in effect be conspirators of a crime. Given that this, “Service” is available for incidents like protests, Law Enforcement personnel would do well to obtain and monitor an account.

The Isee product is an interesting tool because it displays a map of Manhattan and the CCTV surveillance cameras. The tool allows users to route a path that will avoid cameras, and in effect any chance of surveillance. The company that markets the product states that the following groups should use their tool:

• Minorities
• Women
• Youth
• Outsiders
• Activists
• Everyone else

Nothing like a little marketing, albeit really political incorrect.  Even so, this tool allows people an opportunity to avoid the law for whatever reason. What if a terrorist group wanted to find a target they could monitor without any fear of being detected on video themselves? What if a serial offender wanted a safe hunting ground without any fear of being seen? This tool does not prevent crime in any way, it makes the committing of an offense easier.

There are many companies that have access to new technologies and ideas that we need to strengthen our nation, yet some appear to provide more help to prevent a secure environment. These companies concern me.  The list of associates on the main page provides some interesting insight. One has apparently been subpoenaed by the FBI for bio-terrorism. Yet, they post a link to a legal defense fund. Is this a cause for concern? I don’t know. I’m just a citizen that cares about such things.

Sources:
(1) Product descriptions noted above come directly from the Institue for Applied Autonomy website.
(2) United States Code Title 18 § 231 (a) (3).
(3) San Francisco Chronicle