Twitter Terrorism

 

Does this look like a Tweep?

We’re all pretty aware of the power of Twitter, even if we’re not currently immersed in the microblogging network, right? There are plenty of influential people using it from politicians and celebrities, to media outlets and fictional characters. Apparently though the military is concerned about terrorists utilizing this network to aid their cause. A report was released earlier this month discussing scenarios in which Twitter, among other things, could be used for terrorism. ComputerWorld’s post about it cite’s the protests that occured during the Republican National Convention. The protestors used Twitter to keep an eye on police movements and coordinate their efforts.

 

I’m slightly annoyed that yet again we are giving ideas to the terrorists. It’s true that they may have already considered the uses the report outlines, Twitter’s applications are pretty limitless, but why risk the chance and just give it to them? Another thing, even if terror groups are using Twitter, is there any way to really control it other than shutting down Twitter? I can just see it now, banks of computers at the NSA with operators simply watching Tweet Grid all day. Seriously though, isn’t Twitter just as likely to be used by terrorists as anything else? They already use cars and guns. Surely to employ Twitter they’d be using cell phones. Can the government really do much about controlling this medium without imposing on rights? My ultimate point is, even if terrorists might use Twitter like the rest of us, is there really anything the government can do besides sit and watch?

Last thought… Are all the people throwing money at Twitter funding terrorism? Gonna have to keep them under surveilance now too. (Cheesy, I know, I had to though)