Media Frenzy over the Transborder Immigrant Tool

Posted on December 7, 2009 by azdelslade

The Transborder Immigrant Tool was the subject of a whirlwind of media attention in the past week. The project has been developed by the Electronic Disturbance Theater, consisting of artists Ricardo Dominguez, Brett Stalbaum, Amy Sara Carroll and Micha Cárdenas. The media coverage included television, radio and print stories including the Associated Press, BBC World, NBC, Fox, and the UCSD Guardian. While the actual stories are too many to list here, the following is a list of some of the major articles. Many media outlets improperly reported it as an Iphone app, others attempted to discredit the project saying it is illegal, and some interviewed Enrique Morones of the Border Angels, one of the humanitarian providers whose water caches the tools directs people to. Overall, the members of the group are extremely happy that the Transborder Immigrant Tool has been so effective in opening up dialog on the dire need for humanitarian aid at the border, where thousands of people have needlessly died. We look forward to completing and deploying the tool in the coming year. [also posted at the b.a.n.g. lab website]

GPS tool helps illegal immigrants cross US border
Associated Press

Celular para cruzar ilegalmente
BBC World

Border Crossing: There’s an App for That
NBC San Diego

Low-Tech App Aids in Crossing Mexican Border
UCSD Guardian

GPS para indocumentados
Telemundo

Border Crossing Application
Fox 5 TV San Diego

Smart phone application helps illegal immigrants navigate safely across border
NBC Spokane Washington

GPS Technology to Help Illegal Immigrants
KSRO – Santa Rosa,CA,USA

Poll: 56% say border-crossing tool threatens national security
OC Register

Border-Navigating Phone App Raises Concerns
KMJ Now – Fresno,CA,USA

mobile phone application gets mixed reactions
State Press

Border Crossing: There’s an App for That
NBC Chicago