19 votes

I don't own a cellphone. Can this privacy-focused network change that?

6 comments

  1. rungus
    Link
    404media does require a free account to read their articles (I recommend getting one, they're very good!), but if you don't want to: Archive Link

    404media does require a free account to read their articles (I recommend getting one, they're very good!), but if you don't want to: Archive Link

    11 votes
  2. [2]
    JXM
    Link
    It occurs to me that the title might turn people off from reading the article because...well, you have to be kind of a weirdo to not even own a cell phone these days. For those who aren't aware of...

    It occurs to me that the title might turn people off from reading the article because...well, you have to be kind of a weirdo to not even own a cell phone these days.

    For those who aren't aware of the author and didn't read the article, the person who wrote this article is Joseph Cox. He's not just some random person or even your average reporter. He used to work for Vice/Motherboard and has done some reporting on a lot of shady/criminal people/enterprises. He has good reason to want to protect his privacy, as his reporting has literally made him enemies that want to kill him or dox him.

    10 votes
    1. Nemoder
      Link Parent
      As one of those weirdos without a cell I do like to keep up to date on more useful tech like this. In my case though I'm less concerned about the networks since they will always be outside my...

      As one of those weirdos without a cell I do like to keep up to date on more useful tech like this. In my case though I'm less concerned about the networks since they will always be outside my control but I do want any devices I use to give me full control--including the ability to disable any of the hardware or software components I choose.

      4 votes
  3. scirocco
    Link
    This is pretty intriguing, though I wonder if the close USG association also extends to potential surveillance of the non-govt users. Strictly and only for legal anti-terrorism purposes of course.

    This is pretty intriguing, though I wonder if the close USG association also extends to potential surveillance of the non-govt users.

    Strictly and only for legal anti-terrorism purposes of course.

    3 votes
  4. [2]
    Rudism
    Link
    I didn't see it mentioned anywhere, but I'm assuming the author must have a landline? I've often fantasized about ditching my cellphone for a landline, since I work from home now I'm here probably...

    I didn't see it mentioned anywhere, but I'm assuming the author must have a landline? I've often fantasized about ditching my cellphone for a landline, since I work from home now I'm here probably 99.9% of the time anyways. I don't think my wife would approve though, since it would mean I'd be unreachable on those rare occasions that I do travel or have to drive somewhere for an extended period of time.

    I wonder where the IMEIs and IMSIs come from on the Cape service, and whether they're ever shared between users or not. Could have potentially scary implications on law enforcement requests if some identifier that they tracked to one of your personas might also have been used (or is actively being used) by other Cape users.

    3 votes
    1. JXM
      Link Parent
      He could also have a virtual phone account or something as well. I’m assuming he didn’t mention it to avoid accidentally dropping any clues on what he uses that bad actors could take advantage of.

      He could also have a virtual phone account or something as well. I’m assuming he didn’t mention it to avoid accidentally dropping any clues on what he uses that bad actors could take advantage of.

      1 vote