Who would have thought that terrorists would be tapping into Twitter? Well apparently the US Army intelligence report has identified the popular micro-blogging service Twitter, Global Positioning System maps and voice-changing software as potential terrorist tools.
A 304th Military Intelligence Battalion report posted on the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) website examines the various uses of mobile and web technologies and their potential uses by militants.
It’s no surprise that Twitter has become a social activism tool. It was noted that members sent out messages, or “Tweets”, reporting the July Los Angeles earthquake faster than news outlets. From socialists, communists, vegetarians to religious groups, political enthusiasts, atheists and hackers all communicate together under one roof freely expressing whatever they wish. Twitter is known to have members that support extreme views.
Over time, Twitters surveillance use could evolve to reflect tactics of hackers and activists. The report suggested that Twitter could theoretically be used as a social networking operation tool.
Terrorists, to carry out an ambush or detonate explosives, could use twitter, along with Global Positioning Systems. Terrorists have been discussing such tools online, and the US Army is keeping track of what is being discussed.
Although the web has provided the world with endless freedom, resources and means of self-expression, you have to learn to take the good with the bad. Once again this is a perfect example of how human nature manages to manipulate something good and use it against everyone. It’s scary to think that evil is lurking in all corners of our beloved Internet.