crowdmap

Latest

  • Sudanese protesters use crowdmapping to get around internet shutdowns

    by 
    Jon Fingas
    Jon Fingas
    09.28.2013

    Like past regimes, Sudan's government is trying to silence protests by periodically shutting off internet access. Activists have found a way to keep everyone informed, however, by launching the Abena Crowd Map. The tool sends SMS-based reports of demonstrations and other events to a crowdmapping platform where contributors verify, locate and post stories. Observers can both filter the report stream and get alerts when incidents take place within a given area. The map won't always help protesters on the ground, but it will share their ordeal with the outside world -- and prevent Sudan's rulers from controlling the narrative.