Communications During Civil Unrest or Riots

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     We know here from recent events such as in Egypt, Iran, China and other countries that they will clamp down on electronic communications when they feel it is going against them. With the explosion in the last 20 years of several types of personal communications devices Governments have sought ways to limit the flow of information both going out or in. It used to be that news papers, radio and television were our main forms of information and they were either owned or tightly controlled and regulated by the Government.  With the advent of cell phones, Blackberry, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and text messaging the grip of Government censorship has been lessened to some extent and we are now able to see things that are happening worldwide that we couldn't before. Governments though are working hard  to increase their control of censorship on these new information outlets, recent efforts can be seen such as in Egypt where they are trying to shut them down to stem the tide of riots in the country.

     Now how does this translate into anything that might affect you here in this country? Well call me crazy but  we from time to time have our own riots here, not too often but we do have them and they can be nasty, ugly, deadly and generally someplace you don't want to be. I also have no doubt that our own Government has taken under advisement the pro's and con's of shutting down communications during times of unrest, we currently have an ongoing debate about the internet kill switch, but my gut feeling says they are looking further then that. One case in point that I think they will site was the rash of "flash mobs" created by twitter account users that created mini on-site riots and general mayhem.

      We here in the US and other countries have become very dependent of our wireless toys as forms of communications to the point of where we might compare not having them to drug and alcohol withdrawal, I know from my personal standpoint that I go nuts when I can't plug in and I am sure some of you might have the same issue. Having a good flow of information regardless is very important and you should always have some sort of a backup, some options include AM/FM radio, Ham, CB, Multiband Scanner anything to keep you in the loop during a disturbance. Information can be a powerful thing, it can tell you whats coming or where a problem is and help you in deciding where you want to be during that. Another benefit of having some type of non government controlled communications can the the ability to stay in touch with friends and family, food for thought.

Prepology
   

Related articles

• Reports say Egypt Web shutdown is coordinated, extensive - CNN (news.google.com)
• Virtual Insanity: Egypt Shuts Down Internet as Protests Intensify (theroot.com)
• Flash Mob Causes Mall Evacuation (drudge.com)
• What A Flash Mob Is & How You Can Participate (makeuseof.com)