NYC’s Free Internet Kiosks Disabled Upon Report Of “Lewd Acts”

 

Public web browsing will be disabled in the free internet kiosks of New York City. Reports have been forwarded that people are watching porn and masturbating using the publicly available tablets. 
LinkNYC offers free Wi-Fi access. A tablet is offered to users who do not have mobile phones. These kiosks have been replacing New York payphone since then. The group however announced today that they "will be removing Web browsing on all Link tablets while we work with the City and community to explore potential solutions, like time limits." 

Tablets providing offering free phone calls, maps, and access to emergency services will still be provided. LinkNYC Wi-Fi hotspots will also remain for individuals who want to connect their own devices to the public internet. LinkNYC however clears that browsing on public tablets will be restricted. 

"LinkNYC responded to the spate of public masturbation by adding a filtering system to limit access to porn, Gothamist reported at the time. Users apparently found ways to evade the filters, and the PIX11 news station said this week that reports of porn watching and other 'lewd acts' have not stopped." Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr. expressed concern. 

It was high time to make the necessary adjustments upon knowing that these LinkNYC kiosks are being used inappropriately for an extended period of time specifically in the Manhattan area.

"Some users have been monopolizing the Link tablets and using them inappropriately, preventing others from being able to use them while frustrating the residents and businesses around them," said LinkNYC. "The kiosks were never intended for anyone's extended, personal use and we want to ensure that Links are accessible and a welcome addition to New York City neighborhoods."

The Internet kiosks have been introduced through Sidewalk Labs. Sidewalk Labs is Alphabet GOOG 0.37%, a division in Google's holding company,

Despite the disturbing news, LinkNYC shares its excitement on the program's success, "With 400 Links installed in three boroughs, nearly 475,000 New Yorkers and visitors have signed up to use the fastest broadband publicly available in New York City, and they have used it more than 21 million times."

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