ADS-B Exchange has been an open-source provider of flight information. People around the world have set up stations that collect ADS-B data and then transmits it to ADS-B's servers. The commercial flight tracking companies buy their data from the FAA, which censors it. ADS-B didn't, so you could see anyone who was in the air.
But now, ADS-B Exchange has been sold to some skeevy private-equity firm. Because one guy had set up the site and owned it, he cashed out. Everyone pretty much assumes that the new owners will try to charge people to see the data on the site and will also censor the data of rich people who don't like the unwashed masses seeing where they go. People like Mr. Bonesaw and Elon the Loosely Tuned, for two examples.
So, as you might imagine, that hasn't gone over too well. ADS-B Exchange depends entirely on volunteers, people who put together somewhat eeasy-to-build ADS-B receivers and tiny computers to send in the data. Volunteers often don't take well to people making bank off of their efforts, so people are unplugging from ADS-B Exchange.
With any luck, the private-equity guys will end up having bought an empty sack.
Fuck those guys and the greedy mofo who took their money.
Sergeant Pepper
2 hours ago
9 comments:
I hid mine using a form filed via the FAA.
You can see me but not track me and there is no data back to who owns the plane. I'm invisible on FlightAware and such...at least to most people.
Is there a reason you can share as to why you needed to keep your travels private?
I just don't like to be tracked.
No one needs to know where I and my plane went, just like no one needs to know what your address or real name is. Those who I feel have a reason to know, I tell.
Other than basic security and privacy, there is no reason.
Or it could be because I am a secret agent of the Underground. Yeah, that's it.
So Jewish space lasers can't get a bead on him in flight.
I assume B is referring to LADD blocking, which is/was ineffectual against ADS-B Exchange…which is a valid theory as to why a private-equity form might buy something and destroy it, cash under the table.
CP88, the Saudis don't like that ADS-B Exchange means their data is public. $20MM to them is chump change, not when they can give Jared the Wunderkid $2B with no real strings attached.
B, blogging is different, as you well know. I've known a lot of people with airplanes and none of them have blocked their data. So, is this contrarianism on your part, paranoia, or does somebody wish to do you harm?
Not really any different than blogging. Privacy and security. For much the same reasons.
The security threats I once lived under are decades old and not likely a concern anymore.
Many GA airplane owners don't realize the ease of access to their travel data. Others simply don't care, or like the fact that their friends can conveniently use FlightAware or similar to see where they are. I'd prefer otherwise. Simple as that.
I simply prefer my comings and goings are not public knowledge. Much like you not wanting us to know your address or real name. AFAIK there are no real threats against you, but you prudently keep your information private. No real difference. Simply prudence.
I consider the free tracking a safety benefit, should I a track end in some remote terrain. But then the odds of me dropping out of the sky are pretty good in a glider.
Threats? Yes. Credible? Likely not, but why take the chance.
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