Adam DesAutels

Is Twitter Being Used for Terrorism?

Adam DesAutels on 10 28, 2009

Obviously Twitter has grown exponentially since it’s inception in July 2006. With growth comes a number of problems; Twitter spam, increased downtime, and now possible terrorism. A document from the Federation of American Scientists explains that it is very likely that Twitter could or is being used for terrorism. Below are some quotes from the document (I have no idea why they would make this document available to the public and to possible terrorists).

Sample Overview: al Qaida-Like Mobile Discussions & Potential Creative Uses (.pdf)

Twitter Terrorism Document Quotes

For example terrorists could theoretically useTwitter social networking in the U.S. as an operation tool. However it is unclear whether that same theoretical use would be available to terrorists in other countries and to what extent. - From Page 1

Terrorist operative “A” uses Twitter with (or without) singa cell phone camera/video function to send back messages, and to receive messages, from the rest of his cell. Operative “A” also has a GoogleMaps Twitter MashUp of where he is under a code word for other members of his cell (if they need more in-depth directions) posted on the WWW that can be viewed from their mobiles. Other members of his cell receive near realtime updates (similar to the movement updates that were sent by activists at the RNC) on how, where, and the number of troops that are moving in order to conduct an ambush. – From Page 9

With the advancement of technology making the world a smaller place, it might be necessary to have the web monitored a little closer than it currently is.

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