The cement jungle that is New York City tried to “bridge the digital divide” when they started to install the Wi-Fi kiosk around the city. The main purpose of LinkNYC was advertised to provide power and internet facilities to everyone within the vicinity of the city. “LinkNYC brings us a couple steps closer to our goal of leveling the playing field and providing every New Yorker with access to the most important tool of the 21st century,” said de Blasio, Mayor of the New York City. Little did he know what was in store for this innovation.
The New Yorkers had welcomed the infrastructural addition with open arms at first, but soon enough they started getting a little too creative with it, so much so that it has forced the authorities to close down the kiosks for the time being.
LinkPhone was designed to enable the people charge their phones, check out weather reports and maps to plan their trips around the baffling metropolis. But instead most of them started using them to watch porn. Many were also caught catching up on Netflix, or simply loitering and hanging out at the kiosks, much to the exasperation of the local residents and businesses.
The mega plan of installing 7,500 kiosk network across the five boroughs was executed to create a 150-foot radius WiFi network. The kiosks also allowed free domestic calls, had two USB charging ports, a 911 button in case of emergencies. With a tablet installed for accessing the internet, it aimed to be an upgrade on the old-school phone booths.
But the plan didn’t quite work out as they hoped. City councilman Corey Johnson while complaining about its misuse said that he has seen people watching porn with children nearby, and people are monopolizing the kiosks for creating personal spaces for themselves. Besides watching porn, other intrusive activities include playing loud explicit music, consuming drugs and alcohol, and using the space for hanging out.
LinkNYC said in a statement on Wednesday, “…. with 400 Links installed, the company has seen lots of curiosity and excitement, and also some unexpected challenges that we need to address, as you’d expect with any project this bold.”
Since the kiosks were not intended for extended personal usage, web browsing facility will now be removed from the kiosk’s tablets while a permanent fix is devised.
Other basic facilities will remain unchanged. The company has also made other adjustments following feedback, including dimming the display light and limiting volume at night.
What is your opinion on the matter? Are these kiosks more of a distraction or are they a good addition to the metropolis? Comment below!
