FlightRadar 24

FlightRadar 24 is a flight tracking website that provides real-time information on commercial flights around the world.

CCI Score

-28.66

0.02% April 18

Latest Event

FlightRadar24 Censorship Compliance Raises Concerns

A Hacker News post alleges that FlightRadar24, along with other flight tracking services, practices heavy censorship by removing certain flight data—specifically targeting planes owned by wealthy individuals. Critics argue that this withholding of information undermines media transparency and potentially aids authoritarian control, even though such measures might be mandated by FAA radar data agreements.

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ACCOMPLICE

FlightRadar 24 is currently rated as an Accomplice.

-20 to -29 CCI Score

These companies profit from authoritarian practices through their business dealings. Although they may not be directly enforcing oppressive policies, their actions contribute to the economic and operational sustenance of authoritarian regimes.

Latest Events

OCT

01

2023

FlightRadar24 Censorship Compliance Raises Concerns
-34.26

A Hacker News post alleges that FlightRadar24, along with other flight tracking services, practices heavy censorship by removing certain flight data—specifically targeting planes owned by wealthy individuals. Critics argue that this withholding of information undermines media transparency and potentially aids authoritarian control, even though such measures might be mandated by FAA radar data agreements.
-40

Media Influence and Propaganda

March 21

The censorship of flight data by FlightRadar24, as reported on Hacker News, raises concerns over media transparency. From a left-leaning perspective, this suppression of information—especially information regarding the activities or presence of wealthy individuals—can be seen as complicit with authoritarian practices and a move toward centralized control of information. While the action might be legally mandated by FAA data agreements, it nonetheless contributes to a culture of restricted data flow that undermines democratic oversight.

FlightRadar24, FlightAware, etc. are actually heavily censored.
OCT

15

2019

FlightRadar24 Self-Censorship of Aircraft Alerts
-23.05

FlightRadar24 has been reported to engage in self-censorship by modifying alerts for certain private aircraft types. This practice restricts the flow of information about these flights, raising concerns about potential alignment with authoritarian censorship practices and limiting public scrutiny.
-40

Provision of Repressive Technologies

March 21

FlightRadar24’s decision to self-censor alerts on certain private aircraft types curtails access to comprehensive flight data. This censorship may facilitate an environment where information control aligns with authoritarian practices, thereby undermining transparency and public oversight. Although the measure might be internally motivated, it raises significant concerns about the platform’s role in moderating freely available information, which is crucial to democratic engagement.

FR24 performing Self-Censorship for aircraft ALERTS