Will the internet "go down" if elections are cancelled?

[Bluebear]

A very astute new member pointed out that if the elections are cancelled, in all likelihood internet access will go down, "for security purposes". How many cable/entertainment companies are owned by the Carlyle-type conglomerates? Will Homeland Security "secure" lines?

I am reminded of an acquaintance who got a call on September 11, 2001 to come to the Netherlands right away, her mom was dying. We all know what happened....she didn't have access to the airline system to go see Mom although the bin laden relatives were allowed to fly. How many people use the internet as a lifeline who won't be able to communicate? How will people get their information?

[Literate Tar Heel]

1. easy answer

"How will people get their information?"

Fox News, of course ... I'm sure it won't be affected

[Not Me]

2. Don't think so...

Corporate interests rely too much on it.

[tom_paine]

3. The corporate parts of it will be given "priority"

Cancelled elections? Followed by Internet blackout?

Just WHAT do these assholes think is going to happen then?

[DarkHorse]

5. Not gunna' happen

Agreed. It wouldn't happen.

No one could get phone calls through on 9/11 and it wasn't because of security reasons of the Government or some sinister plot. The phone lines were jammed because of what happened.

This theory sounds a bit paranoid. Sorry, but it does.

[Atman]

4. What if the big terra attack is ON the internet?

Elections go on, but no way for different parts of the country to instantly communicate. We'll have to rely on MSNBCNNFOXBS for the "election" results, unverified. Go ahead and vote, 'Merka, they only attacked the internet, but George has kept your children safe! We'll tell you the we won on the morning news. Good night.

[JohnnyRingo]

6. Internet can't "go down" anymore than "radio" can go down

At least that's how I understand it.

(There would have to be conspiracy by HUNDREDS of ISPs.)

On the other hand...Because of deregulation, look how few companies own radio waves now.

[PretzelWarrior]

9. no...they could take down "backbone network" of HTTP server

and Domain Name Servers. That would totally trash the entire worldwide web. However, the secure internet lines would still be viable such as those owned by larger corporations in their internal WANS, the military, and government agencies.

[BrotherBuzz]

7. The Luddite in me says...

canceled elections will increase internet traffic to the breaking point. The Luddite in me says that the internet can not be depended on in times of crises so we need other alternatives at our disposal. The Luddite in me says people like Don (NNNOLHI) will step up and do their jobs, becoming heroes when those dark days arrive.

Is my glass half full or half empty?

[PretzelWarrior]

8. not the internet per se....but they could cut out huge sections of ISP

service which would effectively shut off internet access to quite a few people in this country.

Our economy and productivity are too tied in to B2B web based software for supply chain management and other web services related to FTP of files from site to site. Even business email is a fundamental communication tool speeding business decisions.

You definitely won't see them take down HTTP servers. However, cyberterrorists could find a way to do that.