U.S. Funding Shadow Internet

Repressive rulers like Egypt’s ousted president Hosni Mubarak and Syria’s embattled President Bashar al-Assad may not be able to shut down their countries' internet much longer. The Obama administration is leading an effort to develop “shadow” Internet and mobile phone networks that allow activists to circumvent state control. Programs include a prototype “Internet in a suitcase,” a powerful portable wireless transmitter that activists can use to set up their own networks. Another program is building an independent cellphone network in Afghanistan to counteract the Taliban's ability to shut down the official Afghan service. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the effort “a historic opportunity to effect positive change, change America supports.”