Free Knowledge Culture Calendar/July 29

Today in 1972 first of the annual Phone Phreak Conventions was held in New York. Initially consisting mainly of blind people, phone phreaks studied and experimented with the largest automated machine of the time. This was possible due to signaling within the main channel: For example, whistling certain tones gave them control. Increasing public attention following a 1971 article in Esquire magazine attracted a lot of phone company agents to the convention and led to some high-profile arrests. The next year, everyone was wearing a mask. This community was a precursor to the hacker movement. Apple started out as a manufacturer of phreaking equipment.