I believe it's the plastic orange netting that is frequently used in construction. They just kind of net the protesters together. So, it's not really a new technology, just a new use for old technology. I'm not sure though.

The Orange nets used to trap protestors are indeed the same netting used in construction sites. They use about two dozens officers to unroll the netting around the protesters, essentially making a plastic barrier around them. It makes it harder(near impossible) for individuals to slip through the police lines. Although it seems as though it would be easier if the group decided to charge one side it might be easier to topple the officers.

"Although it seems as though it would be easier if the group decided to charge one side it might be easier to topple the officers."

Very good--use swarm technology to overcome the obstacle.

if you encouter the orange netting it can easily be defeated by flame, if yo burn it in certain points with a lighter it will simply melt and be rendered useless..

www.geocities.com/u_ge_l_f

A picture of the orange netting/fencing is included with the article
"Innocent Bystanders Arrested In Times Square After The March"

the article is currently located at  http://nyc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/106517/index.php

y'know uglf, sometimes when you're tightly wrapped in a sheet of material, your favorite thing to do MIGHT NOT BE TO SET THE MATERIAL ON FIRE

Wouldn't it make more sense to bring some large cutters?

these orange nets were used today(8/29) to trap the critical mass cyclists after they left union square. these nets are fast to unroll and set up, giving the police a surprise advantage. their weakness is that they are plastic and can be bent and climbed over rather quickly.

are they using those Alien Vs Predator net guns?

Cut 'em! Scissors will also work, but the pigs can call them "weapons" unless you break off the sharp pointed tips. You only need the last inch, as beyond that it would be too hard to cut. Tin snips are fast and tough.

during our misadventure with this sort of netting we used like i said a lighter, but we had on hand scissors and a swiss army knife but we picked the first thing we could think of and a lighter popped loose and was employed but both blade and fire seem to win this battle rendering the netting ineffective.

I mean, it's just flimsy plastic - I'm sure a lot of things can destroy it, but the question is will you be quick and coordinated enough to whip out your tools when the cops are surrounding and attacking you? I wouldn't count on it.
Charging the police line, on the other hand, is a tried and true tactic that orange nets won't do shit to stop - like someone said earlier, it might make it easier.