Browser Plugin Scrubs the Internet of Mass Killers

Research shows 30% of mass shootings are inspired by prior mass shootings,CBS News reports. A gun-control nonprofit is hoping to do something about that with a new browser plugin that removes the names and photos of mass killers from websites.

Google Chrome users can download the Zero Minutes of Fame extension, and instead of seeing the name of a killer, they'll see the phrase "name withheld out of respect for the victims." And photos of the killer will be replaced with photos of their victims.

"We already know that plastering the names and the faces of these killers can be a strong motivator for copycats," a Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence spokesperson says. "This is about denying a killer the notoriety that they literally kill for."

Source

Interesting. I’m not sure how I feel about this and wondered what other members here think about it. While I’m entirely against the idolization of criminals, I’m also against erasing the negative aspects of society from one’s mind. We must acknowledge our existence in all its ugly forms, regardless if we’re the ones committing those acts. I suppose if I bought myself an island, there might be bliss amongst my self induced ignorance, but until then, it’s full exposure baby.

"We already know that plastering the names and the faces of these killers can be a strong motivator for copycats. This is about denying a killer the notoriety that they literally kill for," Kelly said.

The more I think about it, the more I’m alright with it. What I fear is what this may progress into. First off, the browser extension is completely voluntary. That one simple fact keeps me from crapping on the whole thing. I can’t help but wonder though, what happens when this becomes directly imposed upon us? Is it a matter of switching browsers, ISPs, or even moving to another state or country just to get the complete details of an event?

Beyond notoriety

In general, Towers' research found that mass shootings are significantly higher in states with a high prevalence of firearm ownership per capita, suggesting that there are other dynamics at play beyond just media coverage.

The Brady Campaign concedes that notoriety is a "very, very narrow issue" in the larger effort to curb mass shootings, Kelly said.

In the long term, the organization has broad ambitions to cut U.S. gun deaths in half by 2025 with a three-pronged approach: expanding background checks to all gun sales, curbing "bad apple" gun dealers, and educating Americans on the risks of keeping guns in their homes.

At least the creator of the extension acknowledges it’s current state as a symbolic gesture. That reason alone makes me alright with the idea, as long as it stays voluntary.

"The media has First Amendment rights to report on what it chooses. But what's interesting about this Brady app is it puts it in the hands of the consumer. As a reader, you decide whether you want participate in this chain of information," Towers said.

So… If you exhibit tendencies that idolize and mimic the actions of mass murders, do yourself a favor and add this extension to your chrome browser. You just might save us all from your wicked ways!!

I like the idea of using the technology in that context...but imagine how this name-scrubber technology could be abused.

originally posted by: IAMTAT
I like the idea of using the technology in that context...but imagine how this name-scrubber technology could be abused.

If I can use it to scrub the Kardashian's name off of the internet, then BRING IT ON!!

"Ignorance is strength" eh? Self-imposed ignorance on top of big brother imposed ignorance. You'd think we already have enough ignorance to go around, but then someone comes along and creates another way we can bury our head in the sand, under the pretense of denying the psychopaths their notoriety. Those who need to use an add-on like this, never will.

On second thought, can I set it to ignore all the psychopaths masquerading as humans in Washington, DC?

I just can't see how you guys view this as ignorance? It's not denying our past or wiping those events from our existence - rather focusing on the lasting impacts (victims, damages, etc.) instead of SO AND SO did this, SO AND SO did that, SO AND SO is now eternally infamous in the internet hall of fame.

a reply to: eisegesis

interesting
does this mean any terrorists now wont be identified too.

If the CIA are performing covert ops on its own people to blame on the Eastern terrorists, would it now be easier for them to get away with it as you don't know who the attacker is now.

originally posted by: Klassified
"Ignorance is strength" eh? Self-imposed ignorance on top of big brother imposed ignorance. You'd think we already have enough ignorance to go around, but then someone comes along and creates another way we can bury our head in the sand, under the pretense of denying the psychopaths their notoriety. Those who need to use an add-on like this, never will.

On second thought, can I set it to ignore all the psychopaths masquerading as humans in Washington, DC?

In some cases ignorance actually is strength. For example, if you need to compartmentalize information it's best to simply not let people learn it rather than to rely on their ability to keep a secret. If information involves secrecy, ignorance is often the best policy. If information involves informing the public then it should not be censored or restricted.

originally posted by: bloodstream7
I just can't see how you guys view this as ignorance? It's not denying our past or wiping those events from our existence - rather focusing on the lasting impacts (victims, damages, etc.) instead of SO AND SO did this, SO AND SO did that, SO AND SO is now eternally infamous in the internet hall of fame.

If you lose information on the criminal, you also lose the ability to assemble demographic information, research their background, and try to find reasons for why they did what they did beyond simply being a copy cat. Even if that's their reason, there should be common factors in their backgrounds which can be compared and explain why they wanted to be a copy cat.