Social media got a star for empowering Middle East rioters

[rcjordan]

Odd how a perspective can change, isn't it?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/aug/08/london-riots-facebook-twitter-blackberry

[rcjordan]

David Cameron:

"Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill.

And when people are using social media for violence we need to stop them.

So we are working with the Police, the intelligence services and industry to look at whether it would be right to stop people communicating via these websites and services when we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality.

I have also asked the police if they need any other new powers."

http://www.newstatesman.com/2011/08/police-streets-violence

[4Eyes]

As always, the politicians grasp of what they can and can't do with technology is sadly lacking.
I heard one MP claiming that the rioters were doing all the organising on their 'Blackberrys' - really??? 'Blackberrys' ? FFS


OTOH, Great to see that the Police actually using the techology 'back at em'.

In the name of swift and public justice, the Greater Manchester Police has begun tweeting the identities of people convicted of criminal damage and disorder during riots this week in Manchester and Salford.

The department is also requesting the public's help in identifying suspects via photos and videos posted to its website and Flickr account.

Wednesday, the Greater Manchester Police notified its Twitter followers that criminals were going through the courts and would soon be "named and shamed." Thursday, the Twitter account began rattling off the names, births dates, addresses and sentences for those convicted.

"We promised we'd name all those convicted for their roles in the disorder – here we go ..." the @gmpolice account tweeted.

Great stuff

[BoL]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14493497

The government is exploring whether to turn off social networks or stop people texting during times of social unrest.

hmm.

[rcjordan]

To forestall a planned protest, Bay Area Rapid Transit turned off cellphone service, angering passengers and raising questions about First Amendment rights in an age of social media protests.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/0812/To-defuse-flash-protest-BART-cuts-riders-cell-service.-Is-that-legal

[eurotrash]

MORE than 700 years after his barbaric death at the hands of the Auld Enemy, William Wallace is facing another battle for freedom.  But in 2011, the fight is over the right to use Twitter and the "enemy" is a history festival.

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/news/Braveheart-tweeter-forced-to-think.6818273.jp

F  R E E D O M!

[rcjordan]

Gilmore's Law says something like mesh technology will become the new mobile communications standard.

[buckworks]

The only difference between any social media and the Guttenberg press is speed of publication.

That is by no means "the only difference".

Printing presses (or other broadcast media) can distribute ideas widely, but ownership and control of said media tends to be concentrated in the hands of a few. That is a major, major difference besides speed of publication.

In contrast, social media gives millions upon millions of people the ability to publish whatever they want, without any processes for editorial accountability.

It's a mixed blessing ...

[Brad]

If we stop teaching people how to read then they can't use Blackberrys to coordinate riots!