If they weren’t using Starlink they’d use something else, as I’m sure these types of people did before Starlink was a thing.
This feels like a blatant Elon hit-piece.
mdhb•6mo ago
It’s really nothing even remotely comparable to the example you gave when you think about it for more than 30 seconds.
Firstly it’s a capability that they can’t actually acquire elsewhere.
Secondly, there’s a very clear way to identify and disable these particular locations and choosing not to do so is an active choice.
This isn’t a “hit piece” I think you might just not have read things properly or have some reading comprehension issues.
al_borland•6mo ago
Regarding the second point, did Starlink choose not to do anything, or did it not get in front of the right people? Tagging Elon in an X post and expecting a response isn’t realistic as the only form of contact. I assume he’s tagged so much it isn’t possible to read them all, let alone reply to them all. Wired reaching out for comment is the press, where I assume “no comment” is the typical response to everything, as it is with most companies.
mdhb•6mo ago
He is currently being asked to front a senate committee on this issue I believe, it’s certainly not a case of he was randomly tagged in a tweet and just found out. This story from wired is new but this has been a known problem for quite some time.
mlindner•6mo ago
> Secondly, there’s a very clear way to identify and disable these particular locations and choosing not to do so is an active choice.
This isn't actually true though. For the same reason they had difficulties finding Russian military users of Starlink dishes. They know where the dishes are but they don't know who is using them or what purpose they are being used for.
inemesitaffia•6mo ago
>a capability that they can’t actually acquire elsewhere.
The Taliban has access to satellite controlled drones w/I Starlink FWIW
actionfromafar•6mo ago
Yes, Toyota, famed for their service contracts with the Taliban. Something like that would be the closest approximation. Starlink by definition must know where all the terminals are at any one time.
Zigurd•6mo ago
If Toyota knew the precise location of those trucks and could shut them off and provide the info to law enforcement...
mlindner•6mo ago
SpaceX knows the precise location of them but they don't know who is using them or for what purpose. Are you suggesting that SpaceX should have an open database available to the police of who owns every dish? It's interesting how hacker news throws away its support of things like end to end encryption and privacy as soon Elon's name comes up.
al_borland•6mo ago
If they weren’t using Starlink they’d use something else, as I’m sure these types of people did before Starlink was a thing.
This feels like a blatant Elon hit-piece.
mdhb•6mo ago
Firstly it’s a capability that they can’t actually acquire elsewhere.
Secondly, there’s a very clear way to identify and disable these particular locations and choosing not to do so is an active choice.
This isn’t a “hit piece” I think you might just not have read things properly or have some reading comprehension issues.
al_borland•6mo ago
mdhb•6mo ago
mlindner•6mo ago
This isn't actually true though. For the same reason they had difficulties finding Russian military users of Starlink dishes. They know where the dishes are but they don't know who is using them or what purpose they are being used for.
inemesitaffia•6mo ago
The Taliban has access to satellite controlled drones w/I Starlink FWIW
actionfromafar•6mo ago
Zigurd•6mo ago
mlindner•6mo ago