[Inappropriate web-content pic by Derek Berg]
LinkNYC announced a service update yesterday to their network.
Here's their statement... with the news arriving in the third paragraph:
Eight months ago, we launched a first-of-its-kind network to improve the quality of life in this great city where so many of us work and live. To date, we’ve seen lots of curiosity and excitement, and also some unexpected challenges that we need to address, as you’d expect with any project this bold.
With 400 Links installed in three boroughs, nearly 475,000 New Yorkers and visitors have signed up to use the fastest broadband publicly available in New York City and they have used it more than 21 million times. We’ve heard from New Yorkers who use the Links to save data on their mobile plans, call relatives across the the country, and get a much-needed quick charge.
We also know that some users have been monopolizing the Link tablets and using them inappropriately, preventing others from being able to use them while frustrating the residents and businesses around them. The kiosks were never intended for anyone’s extended, personal use and we want to ensure that Links are accessible and a welcome addition to New York City neighborhoods.
Starting today, we will be removing web browsing on all Link tablets while we work with the City and community to explore potential solutions, like time limits. Other tablet features — free phone calls, maps, device charging, and access to 311 and 911 — will continue to work as they did before, and nothing is changing about LinkNYC’s superfast Wi-Fi. As planned, we will continue to improve the Link experience and add new features for people to enjoy while they’re on the go.
The change came apparently after numerous reports of people watching porn at kiosks and, in some cases, masturbating, Gothamist noted.
I have been trying the internet service at the 2nd Ave & 7th St spots. From day 1 I was only able to connect for approximately 1 minute before "session ended" was displayed. They never meant for it to be used. I must "hand" it to anyone who was able to masturbate and conclude in that time frame. There's something that we're not being told about this system........
ReplyDeleteThat photo! lol Finally the "safe space" we've all been craving!
ReplyDeleteI literally wouldn't touch any of those kiosks; too gross to imagine.
ReplyDeleteYes, the only folks I have seen using the kiosks on 1st and 2nd Avenues have been men sitting watching movies or sports. Some guys brought postal crates to use as chairs and sat as a group watching a football game; I even saw one dude with actual chair.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame these guys for taking the opportunity to watch a program when they may not have the same access most New Yorkers have, or for folks to take advantage of cheap phone calls. Most of us could have told the LinkNYC this would happen. I think the kiosks are there as an advertising revenue source for the city, and now that undesirable elements are marring the advertising, Link NYC is looking for a way to chase them away.
How do you make a phone call from one of them? I don't see a handset.
ReplyDeleteIt acts as a speakerphone or you can bring earbuds wired with a mic and plug them into the kiosk
DeleteSo these have basically become big blocks with advertising on them, which no one will will bother to see?
ReplyDeleteIt's about marketing. The big ads on the sides. And it's about gathering information from your Cells. They know who you are and can use the information.. says for spot ads. As you pass a store that's one of their advertisers. .. Hey buy shoes... Great pizza... You get the drift. The 911 button is the excuse to get rid of the payphones. Payphones can't track you in the new cyber world but Links can. Talk about Big Brother.
ReplyDeleteWhich day is the free Slurpee day again?
ReplyDeleteAs they say in the musical "Avenue Q" the internet is for porn.
ReplyDeleteNOW WHERE AM I GOING TO BE ABLE TO JERK OFF PUBLICLY?
ReplyDelete