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IPFS News Link • Surveillance

Itron and Microsoft Pledge to Speed Up Development of Controversial AMI "Smart" Meter

• Activist Post - B.N. Frank

Opposition to utility "Smart" Meters (electric, gas, and water) has been worldwide since they first started being deployed (see 1, 2, 3, 4).  There was even a documentary produced about these horrible devices!  Nevertheless, utility companies continue to install them because "Smart" Meters allow them to collect customer usage data 24/7 (and sell it to 3rd parties), whereas traditional analog meters do not.  "Smart" Meters are one of numerous costly, privacy invasive, and unsafe technologies that are being installed in "Smart Cities" which are also controversial and expensive (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).  Nevertheless, "Smart" Meters and "Smart Cities" continue to be promoted by those who profit from them including manufacturer, Itron, which has also warned shareholders about reported issues associated with its "Smart" Meters:

"We may face adverse publicity, consumer or political opposition, or liability associated with our products…We may be subject to claims that there are adverse health effects from the radio frequencies utilized in connection with our products. If these claims prevail, our customers could suspend implementation or purchase substitute products, which could cause a loss of sales"  Itron Inc, SEC Form 10 K 2017


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