Topic: National Internet

A Red Book prediction forecasts "aggressive drone activity" within the United States before the November election, involving non-lethal force against citizens. Additionally, the hosts discuss Senate hearings on international proposals to regulate the internet, expressing concern over United Nations or ITU control of ICANN.

World leaders issued a joint statement citing UN Security Council Resolutions 1377 and 2178 to justify increased monitoring of the internet. The statement, supported by officials like Eric Holder, calls for a partnership with internet providers to swiftly report and remove material that incites hatred. Critics argue this framework is a move toward global internet censorship under the guise of fighting radicalization.

The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is being positioned as a platform for global internet oversight, citing Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. There is concern that this "multi-stakeholder" model will allow large tech corporations like Google to dictate the rules of online speech under the guise of international cooperation.

The Brazilian press questions the U.S. about specific surveillance software like "Highland" and "Vagrant." The discussion posits that countries like Brazil and Saudi Arabia are using the NSA spying scandal as leverage to move internet governance from U.S. control to the United Nations. Meanwhile, the State Department's promotion of "internet freedom" is framed as a way to ensure global traffic remains accessible to U.S. intelligence.

The hosts deconstruct a viral video featuring WKBT news anchor Jennifer Livingston responding to an email criticizing her weight during National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. They argue that Livingston used her "bully pulpit" to publicly shame a private critic, framing the event as a manufactured talking point to support legislation limiting free speech. Adam Curry suggests that labeling the internet as a "weapon" and schools as "battlegrounds" is a precursor to increased internet regulation and the erosion of First Amendment rights.

Curry covers several news items, including a State Department workshop on "Internet Freedom," the ongoing cholera epidemic in Haiti caused by UN peacekeepers, and the halting of the "green on blue" training program in Afghanistan. He also mentions the construction of a $100 million permanent drone base in Afghanistan.

The United Nations Human Rights Council declares internet access a human right, a move the hosts interpret as a precursor to global internet governance. Ron and Rand Paul release a "Technology Revolution" manifesto, which is panned by mainstream media for its opposition to net neutrality. The hosts argue that "net neutrality" is doublespeak for government arbitration and centralized control of the decentralized web.

An analysis of UN Resolution 1216 reveals provisions that could restrict free speech under the guise of preventing "religious intolerance" and "negative stereotyping." The document outlines special duties for internet users, potentially criminalizing dissent against international interventions like those in Syria. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is identified as the body tasked with creating legal challenges for social media and regulating online content.

Anecdotes from a "Persian Princess" describe the enforcement of cultural standards in Iran, where youth are allegedly abducted by vans and forced to have Western-style haircuts shaved off. The hosts predict that the global internet will eventually fracture into "national internets" walled off by government firewalls, marketed to the public as "porn-free" or "safe" zones.

Dvorak discusses the concept of a "national internet," similar to models proposed in Belarus, where outside traffic is restricted. He suggests that legislation like SOPA could lead to a nationalized US internet under the guise of security, while hackers and tech-savvy users would be forced to use VPNs to bypass government walls.

Former President Bill Clinton suggested the creation of an independent federal agency, similar to the BBC or NPR, to verify the accuracy of information on heavily visited websites. This "Ring The Bell" agency would be designed to counter falsehoods and protect reputations from online attacks. Clinton emphasized that such an entity would need to be transparent and independent of presidential control to avoid the appearance of government censorship.

The United Nations is accused of attempting to seize control of internet regulation as the Internet Governance Forum's mandate nears expiration. Changes in the ICANN board and the Department of Homeland Security's use of DNS takedowns are cited as evidence of shifting control. The hosts warn that international bodies are moving to centralize web authority.

The Obama administration's 2010 National Security Strategy (NSS) shifts focus toward "homegrown terrorism" and the role of the internet in radicalization. This policy aligns with HR 1955, a bill aimed at preventing violent radicalization within the United States. Critics argue these measures are a pretext for shutting down free speech and increasing government surveillance of American citizens.