Northeastern University has been the victim of an unusual technology-related bomb attack. CNN reports that someone sent a package bomb to the Boston University virtual reality lab at Holmes Hall on September 13, causing hand injuries to the man who opened the container. There was no indication of a greater threat, and the school resumed classes after determining that the campus was safe.
The currently unidentified attacker appears to have a grudge against VR, and Meta in particular. CNN The sources claimed that the “incoherent” note on the package criticized Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg as well as links between academia and VR developers. There were no explosives in the container, one of the sources said. Instead, it depressurized with violent force. He wasn’t mailed to college either.
Following the incident on the Boston campus, various law enforcement agencies have determined that the campus is safe and secure. Classes, research, and all other campus activities have resumed today. The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority.
— Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) September 14, 2022
While there has been limited damage, police are taking the case seriously. The FBI, which has been coordinating with local law enforcement, has offered the full assistance of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and other units for the investigation.
Meta has faced some criticism for its decision to rebrand and focus on the metaverse. It began turning its attention to virtual reality just as whistleblower Frances Haugen shared documents that she said highlighted Facebook’s failures to handle misinformation and other social media problems. In other words, VR can serve as a distraction from Meta’s shortcomings. Privacy and security have also been concerns in virtual reality. While it’s not clear that the attacker had any of these issues in mind, there’s no doubt that Meta’s approach to VR already had its detractors.
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