SpaceX is reportedly building a $1.8 billion network of spy satellites for US intelligence

return2ozma@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 290 points –
SpaceX is reportedly building a network of spy satellites for US intelligence
theverge.com
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Science fiction of the 90s was the time to discuss philosophy. We didn't come to a conclusion then. The future is now. A global low latency, highly available communications network is technologically inevitable. In our timeline, a rich narcissist has gathered enough support and competence around himself to start building that network. So now we have real, concrete questions that need answers: who should have access to that network, and who should decide?

The way I see it, the options are (besides opening the network for everyone globally):

  • limit access to non-military purposes: practically impossible

  • limit access to the country of which Elon calls himself a citizen: what happens if he moves?

  • destroy the network: everyone is worse off

  • have the government take over control of the network: I don't think we want this precedence

Do you have another suggestion?

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