I read the idea was that because the sats are in such low orbit the latency will be lower than the intercontinental undersea cables. So they can sell lower latency connections to market traders that need it at a huge premium, then use that cash cow to subsidize cheap developing world broadband.

They’ve already had it, along with the ADA, as a reason they can’t wear a mask and can’t be asked why not (hence this article), except spelled as “HIPPA.”

It’s so weird people this this exists. At first I had to think about it - I certianly cannot ask someone at my job why they aren’t wearing a mask (although, it’s not going to be an issue). I work for a University, with a health center, so we do have to follow HIPAA and FERPA. I cannot ask a student about any medical…

https://askjan.org/articles/Requests-For-Medical-Documentation-and-the-ADA.cfm

No you don’t. Why do you think someone with a disability needs to provide strangers with any kind of documentation about their disability let alone carry it with them.

The ADA only forbids EMPLOYERS from asking. Some states have extended that to other people. This is sometimes called the “Disney rule” because both Florida and California parks follow it, but in most states there are no laws forbidding people from asking your disability when you ask for accomodations.

HIPAA may not but any employer in a state with strict ADA laws already knows better than to open that can of worms.  There are ways to word it but you absolutely cannot demand they tell you why they cannot wear a mask.  Also, the idea of ADA validation is ridiculous. You link to your own article that only explains…

Man that’s funny, they hand out a copy every time you go to a doctor these days, and make you sign, and no one has read it.

The people yelling about HIPPA and masks are the new “What about free speech?!?” idiots whenever someone gets fired by a private company for making public statements that reflect poorly on the company.

My personal favorite was that early homemade image people were touting around as a digital “card” that spelled it as “HIPPA”. How to spot the idiot anti-masker.

I’ve had asthma since I was 13 and have had more than one close call from it. *I* have no problems breathing with a mask, so unless your lungs are so messed up you need an oxygen mask, you’ve got no excuse. They’re just latching onto any excuse that comes along to justify being an asshole - grown-ass adults shouting,…

You don’t need to disclose, but you DO need to provide valid documentation.

Yeah that's not an either/or situation - that's an asshole running into a different type of asshole.

Agree. But specifically, we need to teach kids of the importance of masks. This likely means that we need to help them understand with a scenario they’ll understand.   “Not wearing a mask can make grandma sick” is something a younger child will understand.

Holy triple negative, Batman! How about we fix that headline?

First, I’ve yet to hear a ‘legitimate reason’ for not wearing a mask... not one.

Using your kids to passively-aggressively (no)mask shame someone is just stupid. Confront them yourself as an adult or just realize they’re jerks, avoid them, and carry on.

With a service animal, you CAN ask what specific function the animal is trained to assist with. EVERY reauthorization has tightened up service animal requirements, and mental health dogs are no longer included in most public places as allowable. (States may have their own laws re: this though that are looser.)

If somebody claims a disability, it’s of course not HIPAA, but the ADA that not only prevents anybody from asking for documentation, it also prohibits even asking what the disability is. It’s the exact same as if somebody were to try and bring a canine in and claim it’s for a disability, the way the law is written,…

And the ADA doesn’t mean you have to meekly allow anti-maskers to traipse all over your store or through your living room. You just have to offer reasonable accommodations.