Topic: Internet Exchange

A historical look at internet infrastructure recalls the importance of Metropolitan Area Exchanges (MAE), specifically MAE-East. Anecdotes describe the physical vulnerability of these hubs in the early days of the internet, including a flood at MAE-East that caused significant connectivity issues. The discussion highlights how centralized networking points remain potential targets for disruption.

The hosts round up several news items, including the upcoming premiere of the Julian Assange biopic "The Fifth Estate." They discuss Glenn Greenwald's collaboration with Jeremy Scahill on U.S. assassination programs and a New York Times report by Laura Poitras on NSA social connection mapping. Additionally, they note the Amsterdam Internet Exchange's plan to establish direct lines to the U.S. East Coast.