I wanted to post this to show how these technologies are being used for command and control of events like this. The key elements to this, are using pre-paid cellphones that are basically disposable, and Twitter, all with the intent of directing a protest or riot for maximum effect. I wonder when we will hear of the first terror cell usage of Twitter, to direct a Mumbai style complex assault? I know for the Mumbai deal, they used text messaging for command and control. With Twitter, a leader can send orders to massive groups, and in turn, that leader can track reports coming from the various sectors of the battlefield, all using quick little reports coming through Twitter. And with the advent of cloud computing, the most active sectors will come front and center in everyone’s Twitter account, and everyone can see where the focus should be in the protest. It is a way to make a group more connected and more responsive to whatever police forces are doing. Just as long as they all have a connection with their phones. Now couple that with Google Maps and the common GPS features in today’s smart phones, and now you have some super empowered hooligans. Interesting stuff. –Matt
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New York pair accused of directing protesters during G-20 in Pittsburgh
By Jeremy BorenTRIBUNE-REVIEWSunday, October 4, 2009
State police have accused two anarchists from New York of using cell phones and the Internet messaging service Twitter to direct the movements of protesters during the Group of 20 summit in Pittsburgh.
Police arrested Elliot M. Madison, 41, and Michael Wallschlaeger, 46, both of Jackson Heights, N.Y., after they found them Sept. 24 in a Kennedy Township hotel room full of computers, police scanners and Pittsburgh-area maps, according to a state police criminal complaint.
FBI agents spent 16 hours Friday raiding the home of Madison and his wife, Elena, according to a federal court motion filed in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Madison’s attorney Martin R. Stolar seeking the return of Madison’s possessions that were seized in the raid.
Stolar did not return a message seeking comment Saturday. No one answered the phone at a number listed for Madison.
Wallschlaeger and Madison wore headphones and microphones as they sat in front of computers they used to send Twitter messages to protesters in Pittsburgh to help them move about the city “and to inform the protesters and groups of the movements and actions of law enforcement,” the state police complaint states.