Using a peer-to-peer approach FNF (as well as other groups such as Project Mesh Net and Open-Mesh.org ) are working on developing a “mesh” approach to the internet which, theoretically would be free, ubiquitous and anonymous.  Others are revisiting older tech such as HAM or CB radio based packet radio systems as stand alone systems or as nodes in an newly emerging alternative internet.

What is coming into focus is that a group of diverse entities and technologies, when taken together, have the capacity to challenge corporate and governmental control over the current form of the internet as well as the information, political and economic activity and freedom of expression found there.  If such a “meshnet” does come into existence, we can expect a vigorous reaction by governments the world over. However, where there is no “there” there to regulate, where the transactions are anonymous and essentially untraceable, it remains unclear what steps will be available to a government to assert control over such a system, but we can certainly expect them to try.