Free Wi-Fi Kiosks: A Cautionary Tale
In February 2016, New York City, in partnership with LinkNYC launched Wi-Fi kiosks to replace old phone booths and provide broadband access to more residents. The kiosks are intended to be used as internet terminals with internet phone and web browsing. It is meant to be the 21st century version of the phone booth and so far LinkNYC has installed 400 of them across NYC. A few months after the launch, LinkNYC is removing the access to web browsing because of abuses by users in the street, such as people setting up chairs next to the booths and using the unlimited Wi-Fi to watch movies. There have also been complaints about people using the kiosks in ways that are disruptive such as playing loud music and watching porn.
This situation is a case study in unintended consequences. The mayor has said he will work with LinkNYC to find a solution to the abuses such as limited time for browsing, and LinkNYC has already instituted filters to stop users from accessing pornography. This initiative, which is a great example of combining technology and innovation to create a more modern city, is also a cautionary tale about the importance of continually evaluating a new initiative. It is also important for city governments to have an iterative view of the process in order to have the systems in place when adjustments need to be made. This way, when things don’t go as planned governments will be able to adjust instead of abandoning the entire project.
References
- LinkNYC pulls web access from its Wi-Fi kiosks, CityLab Website, September 14, 2016 http://www.citylab.com/tech/2016/09/linknyc-pulls-web-access-from-its-wi-fi-kiosks-over-porn-use/500015/
- Free Wi-Fi kiosks were to aid New Yorkers. An unsavory side has spurred a retreat, The New York Times, September 14, 2016 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/nyregion/internet-browsers-to-be-disabled-on-new-yorks-free-wi-fi-kiosks.html?_r=0
