Brazil internet fest woos army and politicians

An internet festival in Brazil, billed as one of the biggest in the world has proved an irresistible attraction not only for corporate technology sponsors – but also for military recruiters and politicians.

All were out in force at the third annual week-long Campus Party which closed this weekend after gathering 6,000 web-savvy "nerds" from across Latin America.

Among the areas promoting robotics, debates, computer games, design and programming were officials looking to lure the young participants to their missions.

Next to a camouflage tent bedecked with a US Marine flag, Brazil's air force had set up multi-screen, surround-sound flight simulators that officials insisted were not mere "games".

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