Topic: Whois

A website called "Have I Been Flocked" allows users to check if their license plates have been scanned by surveillance networks, though its ownership remains redacted. The hosts speculate that the site and the underlying data collection may have an advertising angle, potentially involving Google or other data brokers seeking to track consumer movements for targeted marketing.

Further investigation into Metaverse Mod Squad reveals its headquarters at 1300 S Street in Sacramento, California. The company provides weaponized digital engagement teams for high-profile corporate clients, though its specific funding sources remain opaque.

ICANN is reportedly moving to end private "Whois" data, which would expose the identities of domain owners. Additionally, Google has been criticized for automatically updating Chrome with a listening piece of code for "OK Google" that enables audio capture by default, raising surveillance concerns.

Investigation into the "Basic Income 2013" website suggests it may be a sophisticated mailing list harvest rather than a purely political movement. The domain is registered to a Dutch individual, and the sign-up process requires sensitive private data. The hosts express skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, noting that while the concept of being paid to exist is appealing, the Western mindset is generally not amenable to such a system.

ICANN's rollout of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) is identified as a potential "smoke screen" for the implementation of the "Thick Whois" system. This system requires registrars to verify the identity of domain owners, effectively creating a de facto national ID system for the internet. The discussion highlights that ICANN CEO Rod Beckstrom, a former DHS official, is overseeing this transition, which will make it easier for law enforcement to take down websites based on verified registration data.