Today I was looking at GIS data that outlines the paths fiber optic cables take as they snake across the U.S. I found that this data is considered a secret (as a risk to so called critical infrastructure), and therefore redacted from U.S. DOJ filings, or made more general in terms of accuracy on individual transit vendors’ websites (usually in the ‘about’ section).

What I did find, however, is that given enough money, one *can* still buy this data. Some vendors, along with older maps, appear on the Atlas of Cyberspace site. Prices seemed to range from ~$3,000 for general data all the way up to $15,000 for the most accurate and extensive map. Interesting.

What’s more interesting is, 1) “where do they get their data?” and 2) “why can I still buy this if it’s supposedly a ’secret’ and a threat to national security?” It seems, once again, that availability of funds is being used as a way to filter out those who would “do bad” with this “sensitive” data, and those who want it for other more benign purposes. I want it for an art project. Terrorists may want it to “cripple the Internet”. Who do the vendors think has access to more funds–me or the terrorists?