Humans as Routers
The Future of Free Communication
Two very important quotes in this article which may have forever changed the way I think about the Internet and communications. To give you context in case you don’t know, routers control Internet traffic throughout the world (which is why Cisco became a dot com darling). Because we are still dependent on routers, dictators can kill communication in their country by telling ISPs to shut down. Give people access to information and give them a voice and amazing things happen.
“I was sitting in front of Secretary Clinton and when she asked me a question I said, “Secretary Clinton, the last bastion of dictatorship is the router.” That night seeded some of the ideas that were core to Secretary Clinton’s important Internet Freedoms Speech on January 21, 2010.”
“Free communications is an essential human right. The 21st Century will be defined by the idea that no Government, no power shall ever block or filter the right of all men and women to communicate together again.”
What are Routers?
Physical devices that direct internet traffic across networks. They form the critical infrastructure of the internet, controlling where and how data flows.
Internet Kill Switch
When governments order ISPs to shut down routers, cutting off internet access for entire regions or countries, preventing communication and information flow.
Mesh Networks
Decentralized networks where devices connect directly to each other, bypassing traditional infrastructure. When humans become routers, information can flow despite central control.
Why This Matters
Democratic Movements
Protesters and democratic movements rely on communications to organize and share information with the outside world.
Human Rights
Access to information and the ability to communicate freely are increasingly recognized as fundamental human rights.
Technological Solutions
New technologies like mesh networks can help ensure communication remains possible even when traditional infrastructure is compromised.
“The last bastion of dictatorship is the router.”
Further Reading
Humans Are The Routers
TechCrunch article that inspired this post about how people can become the network infrastructure.
Clinton’s Internet Freedoms Speech
Secretary Clinton’s groundbreaking speech about internet freedom as a fundamental right.