09 Aug 2011
Despite all the wonderful things technology can bring to the world, it also has its dark side as the riots going on around the country reveal.
The yobs (and I use the word in the most insulting way possible) causing this widespread destruction are using BlackBerry devices and its BBM private messaging service to communicate and plan their rampages according to various news reports.
Now these conversations are untraceable apparently - unlike Facebook and Twitter - but BlackBerry's owner RIM is working closely with the police according to Sky News.
I should hope so too.
The behaviour exhibited by these 'people' is absolutely disgraceful. I hope they enjoy their ill gotten gains.
Of course Twitter has been going mad as well as the thugs (and I use the word in the most insulting way possible) go on their looting sprees at places such as Sony and PC World and other retail outlets.
It is the responsibility of the technology firms that enable these forms of communication to help the police catch these lowlifes (and I use the word in the most insulting way possible) by providing every scrap of information on them (stuff human rights) and ensure they are punished accordingly.
Unfortunately in the case of the UK the punishment is usually a soft slap on the wrist and maybe a free holiday somewhere to get over the stress.
And no - I'm not a Daily Mail reader - but I am absolutely furious that these cretins are able to seemingly do what they please with no retribution from the authorities.
I feel very sorry for the Police who are basically having to stand there with their hands tied behind their backs.
Great way for the UK to be viewed on the international stage a year before the Olympics isn't it?
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... I have seen how powerful the same technology can be to do 'good'.
Facebook groups with 1 million 'likes' denouncing the violence, showing support for the police and other public services, naming and shaming rioters (although this may be viewed in a negative way by some) and in some situations used to mobilize local communities to protect their local areas.
Social networking is not a new phenomenon but I don't think any nation has seen it used in such a way before, for both good and bad.
Hopefully lessons will be learnt.
Posted by Ben | 11 Aug 2011
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