Apparently homeless people were hogging the tablets at LinkNYC kiosks to watch porn
Due to “unexpected challenges,” managers of the LinkNYC project, which in eight months has installed some 400 “link” kiosks in three New York City boroughs, are disconnecting internet browsing on the tablets.
Using old phone booth locations, LinkNYC is installing the kiosks, which serve as free, public Wi-Fi hot spots, as well as a link to city services, including 311 and 911. The tablets can still be used to make free phone calls, access maps and other functions, but not web browsing.
According to LinkNYC: “Some users have been monopolizing the Link tablets and using them inappropriately, preventing others from being able to use them while frustrating the residents and businesses around them. The kiosks were never intended for anyone’s extended, personal use and we want to ensure that Links are accessible and a welcome addition to New York City neighborhoods. Starting today [Sept. 14], we are removing web browsing on all Link tablets while we work with the city and community to explore potential solutions, like time limits.”
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The New York City CBS affiliate reported on residents’ concerns regarding improper use of the kiosks. Resident Evan Rofheart told a CBS reporter, “One individual put a chair here and sat for hours.” The station also reported that “one of Rofheart’s neighbors snapped a photo of someone who had been masturbating while watching pornography,” on a kiosk at 31st Street and Third Avenue.
LinkNYC is a for-profit venture of CityBridge, a consortium of three companies that signed a 12-year, $200 million contract with the city. The CityBridge partners are chipmaker Qualcomm; CIVIQ Smartscapes, which is building the kiosks; and Intersection, which is a merger of the overseeing Control Group and outdoor advertising company Titan. By design, the project cost would be returned through advertising revenue based on placement on the kiosks.