The Download: investigating deaths at the US border’s “virtual wall”
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What's this about?
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The US spent billions on border surveillance. Why can’t it catch people before they die? When José Morales Bernal crossed the border into the US in April 2024, th
The one-panel cartoon
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Caption: The virtual wall does its job: keeping people from crossing, not saving them.
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Based on the original story on technologyreview.com.
Editor's note
The US has poured significant resources into border surveillance, yet tragedies like the one involving José Morales Bernal continue to unfold. This highlights the urgent need for better coordination and support for local authorities and communities on the ground to address the complex challenges at the border.
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Panel 1
Sam and Alex are sitting at a table, sipping lukewarm coffee. Sam leans in with a serious expression.
Sam: Alex, you’ve been working on this border surveillance system for months now. Any updates?
Alex: Well, Sam, we've installed cameras, drones, even AI that can track pedestrians. But the problem is... the people crossing are running through forests, under bridges, even swimming across rivers. It's like they're trying to avoid every single tech we have!
Sam: It’s like they’re playing hide and seek with us, isn’t it? They’re literally outsmarting us.
Panel 2
In a corner, Robin is scrolling through their phone, looking at a map with a frown.
Robin: You know, I think they’re actually outsmarting us. Because they’re not just outsmarting our tech, they’re outsmarting our fears. It’s like they’re the ones who’ve downloaded our worst nightmares.
Sam: So, Robin, you’re saying they’re like super villains who’ve hacked our technology?
Robin: Exactly! Except they’re hacking our psychology. They’re the ones who’ve downloaded our worst fears about the border, and now they’re playing a game of hide and seek with us. It’s like they’re the ones who’ve downloaded our worst nightmare: the virtual border.
Panel 3
Alex and Sam are looking at each other with a mix of inspiration and hope.
Alex: Maybe if we create a game, like a virtual border, where people can play and avoid death... but do it in a way that helps them instead of scares them. Like a virtual reality escape room, but with a difference.
Sam: Yeah, that could work. It’s like we’re downloading a game of survival that actually helps people. It’s a win-win, Robin.
Robin: I’m in. Let’s do this, Alex. Let’s download a game that saves lives.
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