The public will no longer able to use the free Wi-Fi kiosks in New York City for web browsing. This came after LinkNYC, the organization running the facilities, found that users mostly used it to surf for pornographic content.
The pattern of inappropriate behavior was discovered along the Wi-Fi hubs' eight-month existence. They are mainly perpetrated by homeless people and sexual deviants. To address the problem, LinkNYC is now coordinating with city officials to come up with alternative solutions or mechanisms to prevent the inappropriate use of the internet service.
"Some users have been monopolizing the Link tablets and using them inappropriately, preventing others from being able to use them," LinkNYC said in a statement. "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."
Lewd incidents in the terminal has also increased, and they have since become staples in the city's tabloids such as the vagrant caught in an uncompromising act by a lady walking her dog. The incident happened in a LinkNYC booth in Murray Hill. These developments have also alarmed city officials.
"I strongly believe that these services are another giant step forward towards providing better communication access for all of our city residents, and are an important part of our continued push for social and technological equality," Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough president, said. "However, now is the time to make the necessary adjustments to provide technological access while preventing less than wholesome usage."
The temporary ban of the web browsing function did not include the capability to use the kiosks as Wi-Fi hotspots, to charge and make calls as well as access the Link tablets' map application. The service can also be used to call 911 during emergency.
The LinkNYC initiative is an Alphabet-funded experiment under the company's Sidewalk Labs unit, which aims to develop ways to improve urban living using technology. Tech Times has previously reported that this branch is planning to build a high-tech city, complete with self-driving cars and smart public transport. It is reportedly collaborating with 100 city planning experts to come up with specific solutions and services. The LinkNYC initiative, for instance, is expected to provide insights and serve as a model for the same program in other cities.
There are now 400 LinkNYC terminals distributed in three New York City boroughs, and they are widely expected to eventually replace the city's phone booths. The service has so far benefited more than 475,000 New Yorkers and visitors.
Photo: Edward Blake | Flickr
