Activists warned to watch what they say as social media

[mobbsey]

Wow! As if we didn't already know! (I remember the days, 30 years ago, when the police went around with CB's to listen-in on Nukewatchers!)

I'm sure other PowerSwitchers are not gullible enough to be taken in or goaded by this article!

I think this headline is stating the obvious, seeking to generate shock where none should exist -- and the last line says it all.

In effect it's a call for self censorship by campaigners when in fact, if we truly believe what we say, then we should say it as the core truth of our work irrespective of the consequences which might flow from that -- precisely because it's only by challenging those views/practices which are in opposition to progressive views that we'll create progress.

A state where saying unwelcome facts is tantamount to taking arms is not a free or democratic state -- it's a despotic oligarchy where only the interests of one group are pursued by the state rather than the interests of all.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cr ... 91977.html

Activists warned to watch what they say as social media monitoring becomes 'next big thing in law enforcement'

Exclusive: John Cooper QC said that police are monitoring key activists online and that officers and the courts are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to social media

Kevin Rawlinson, The Independent On-line, Monday 1st October 2012

Political activists must watch what they say on the likes of Facebook and Twitter, sites which will become the “next big thing in law enforcement”, a leading human rights lawyer has warned.

John Cooper QC said that police are monitoring key activists online and that officers and the courts are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to social media. But, speaking to The Independent, he added that he also expected that to drive an increase in the number of criminals being brought to justice in the coming months.

{SNIP}

[northernraider]

A fascinating point, many environmental activists must be really ticking off the state ( good) and are being targeted by the state (bad), dont think us preppers bother them that much but many of us take contentious debate onto E mail groups rather than public forums.

[mobbsey]

dont think us preppers bother them that much

Yeah, but who on these forums is most likely to talk about firearms and stashing equipment for the "coming conflict"... transition towners or preppers?

The basis of suspicion is the uncertainty and mistrust you create in your opponent; and prepper's naturally stand-offish and narrow-minded responses to the problems ahead make them more of a problem for the authorities that those who will stick it out in their communities and organise from there.

[northernraider]

Cant disagree with that appraisal but its a risk one takes innit Least preppers are not likely to get photographed, kettled or get their heads kicked in by cops at protest events though

[Kentucky Fried Panda]

Dated information on that article, social media isn't the next big thing, it's been the big thing for some time now. Speak to any bobbies and they'll tell you, once they have a name, they go straight to farcebook and google+.

Watch this.

[mobbsey]

Least preppers are not likely to get photographed

Nope, they're already ahead of you there.

CAA is already editing guidelines to allow drone use across UK, and some police forces are already discussing their use (i.e., they've made their mind up, they now just have to fix the consultation process) -- although they've been rather careless on one or two occasions.

In any case, I always pose for my photos! -- with a big smile on my face and two fingers raised in "peace". I've been doing that ever since the early 80s when Thames Valley first started using video equipment with peace campaigners. It's a power thing... it often freaks the observers because they're s'posed to be intimidating me with their camera, not the other way around.

If you hide and skulk around it makes you appear suspicious in both the eyes of the public and the police. Being open and "out there" lets the public know who you are, so in the event of police action people rally around to support you.

[Eternal Sunshine]

Interesting article, but yes, they're already there - it's not 'the next big thing'.



Maybe my Twitter account is why I can't get promoted....