Techfiltration
Just a quick notice and alert to highlight some common technological ‘glitches’ and occurrences that are appearing around the internet, coincidentally timed as a result of the pending 2022 midterm election.
By now everyone is familiar with Big Tech control mechanisms like blocking, shadow banning, downgrading and throttling.
Essentially, these are methods within the technology space that are designed to influence opinion and block access to information and communication adverse to the ideology of the provider(s).
Most often we associate those terms with social media platforms; however, within the infrastructure of the internet itself the same intent is also carried in various forms you might not be familiar with. I am seeing a lot of deployed control systems triggered recently, it is worth mentioning in case you notice something different.
Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) are increasingly directing your background internet travels and blocking you from access to content they define as against their interest. Major players in the field of providing online access (comcast, Xfinity, AT&T, etc.) as well as regional operators also have a vested ideological stake. If you find yourself having difficulty navigating the internet, especially during this election season, be aware the ISP provider could be in control.
Cell phone communication networks also have the ability to control data transmitted through their systems. Text messages containing links to unapproved or dissident websites can be blocked by code and algorithms assigned to monitor traffic. Phone browsers and portable internet hot spots may also be controlled by the provider. You may not be aware, but your agreement with your cell phone provider gives them the ability to filter data on your device according to their individual standard.
Again, just be aware.
Browsers are also major players in the field of filtering information and controlling user behavior. It could be as subtle as an image or link not appearing for you, or it could be total blocking of traffic to website destinations they have defined as adverse to their interests. Large activist organizations provide lists of websites and content to feed into the filtration system. Just be aware your browser may indeed be controlling your content and as a result controlling your perspective.
The obvious issues with internet search engines (google, duck-duck etc.) are well documented, however increasingly Apps and authorized software additions to your devices come with mechanisms to control what information may be visible to you. This is where the terms “disinformation”, “misinformation” and “malinformation” become useful tools to justify the interception and blocking of your activity.
Sometimes the network may provide a warning or pop-up in their effort to stop you from reaching the information they want to control, but increasingly it just happens in the background, and you have no idea. This is one of the unspoken benefits in the “cookie” system. In addition to providing direct advertising experiences based on your browsing history, you as a user, may be identified as a dissident voice and assigned a label within the same cookie identification process.
Most people who use the internet have no idea a unique label has been assigned to them in the virtual space. Those labels can be grouped together and contained within the control systems of cyberspace.
Increasingly the techfiltration process has become a Staziesque public-private partnership. You can well imagine what happens when the people in control of technological systems have an ideological mission to shape public opinion, simultaneous with the government people who define dis-mis-and malinformation delivering requests from the FBI and DHS to the technological partners who control the techfiltration process.
The bottom line, just be aware that information you may choose to access, research or share, is heavily controlled by the providers you select to facilitate your online information and communication networks. You are likely right now blocked from accessing information and have no idea it’s happening.
If you cannot reach a website, see an image, view a page, or navigate a system, it’s likely not anything you are doing wrong; most often it’s the result of a tech control system designed to keep you away from the data. Additionally, valid information like emails or text messages are increasingly identified as spam or blocked completely by the email or cell phone service you have subscribed to.
All of this is just an fyi, because I happen to notice these types of curious conversations taking place with increased frequency right now. Lots of people are wondering why they cannot access or see things. These are likely not ‘glitches.’
All the best,
Comrade & Dissident, Sundance
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