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One factor that I bring up whenever the “ham radio is dying” discussion happen is the FCC public database and safety/doxxing, specifically for marginalized comm
by wcfields 6y ago
One factor that I bring up whenever the “ham radio is dying” discussion happen is the FCC public database and safety/doxxing, specifically for marginalized communities such as Trans individuals and Black folks. It, itself, is creating a safety concern in modern society for people that may want to join the hobby but fear doxxing and harassment.
If I give out my call sign on the Internet (or on the air) you now know my real name, address, and every past address I’ve ever used. So let’s say I registers as Bob Smith at 123 Fake St 4 years ago, and now I go by Susan Smith at 456 Example Blvd you’d know all that information with a simple lookup.
The only real semi-workaround is when someone first licenses (and you probably don’t know this at first) is to use a PO Box, otherwise any address change will be on record.
- geocrasher 6y agoWith my last address change, I used a PO Box. My current physical address isn't listed in the FCC database (or qrz.com) and I use my PO Box everywhere else. You can find past addresses easily but not my current. I like it that way for the very reasons you've mentioned.
- robertely 6y agoI'm studying for my test and they warn you that having an undeliverable address could get your license revoked. I wasn't sure how seriously to take that one.
- geocrasher 6y agoWell considering how seriously they take the chatter that happens on some bands (extreme profanity etc) I'd not worry about it. But, its better to be above board completely. Safest route would be to have a PO Box at a forwarder in another town.
- jupp0r 6y agoThere are services who scan/forward mail for you. It's not cheap but convenient compared to a physical po box.
- cwkoss 6y agoNaomi Wu frequently discusses how the 'dox yourself' requirement reduces diversity in the ham community, something I hadn't considered before her tweets. https://twitter.com/search?q=from%3Arealsexycyborg%20ham&src=typed_query https://twitter.com/search?q=from%3Arealsexycyborg%20ham&src...
- spoopyskelly 6y agoKeeping at least one hobby from being infested with identity politics seems like a good thing.
- knolax 6y agoWhy not exchange call signs in band?