Report: Indian Government trying to block Twitter as Terrorists may be reading it

Category: Technology Author : Duncan Riley Posted: November 26, 2008
Tags : mumbai attacks, mumbai twitter, Twitter
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Report: Indian Government trying to block Twitter as Terrorists may be reading it

An unconfirmed report out of India has the Indian Government urging Twitter users to not share specific on the scene information, and further that the Government may be trying to block Twitter in India, or is asking Twitter to block Mumbai related tweets.

Twitter has become an international talking point today following its use by many on the scene witnesses in Mumbai after the multiple terrorist attacks there Wednesday evening local time.

The interesting side of the report, read out on ABC Radio Melbourne at 3:10pm AEST (so no hard link, I just happened to be in the car at the time) is the notion that terrorists may be reading Twitter for intel; it’s not impossible, but notably someone in India thinks Twitter offers a bigger risk than traditional blogging or even heritage media.

Mumbai has a strong Twitter community, which as shown by the logo in this post, even has its own regular Twitter meetups.

We’ve asked Twitter for comment and we’ll update the post if we get a response, or hear anything more. If you’re on the ground or have any further details tips at inquisitr.com or direct duncan at nichenet.com.au

Viewing 9 Comments

dotcompals 1 month ago 2 points
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IMO, TV news channels are discussing things, that is dangerous for the security of India. Twitters are just sharing plain and safe information as anyone can see here - http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23mumbai

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2 /people/dotcompals/ /people/dotcompals/following/

Robin Majumdar 1 month ago 2 points
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"unconfirmed report" is it... this isn't any sort of officially stated position by the Indian government, RAF or NSG. They have simply asked media agencies (including Twitter, of course, as Twitter is a media agency , albeit using the long tail and crowdsourcing) to exercise discretion in reporting on strategic moves by security forces at the various tactical levels in Mumbai....

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http://www.robinmajumdar.com

Pallab 1 month ago 1 point
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Its just a rumour. And Inquistr just played its part in spreading it. it was initially BBC news that added legs to the rumour

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http://www.pallab.net

mediamadam 1 month ago 1 point
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lol
howdo you close a twitter search?
its not a site goddammit

join the crew :)

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sidharth 1 month ago 1 point
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Twitter is not very popular in India except with the early adopters or geeks who number very few. So that does not make it such a big threat. Even the posts on twitter are coming from outside india from people watching TV / internet

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mj 1 month ago 2 points
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I've been following this situation through many online outlets, and as important a tool as it is for helping the victims, it could definitely aid the terrorists. I distinctly recall one tweet that specified exactly when Indian forces were entering one of the hotels. In that specific case, twitterers on the street were giving the terrorists advance notice.

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mrrdi 1 month ago 1 point
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Sorry, but hello. Do you really think that any terrorist-persons sit on their asses and follow Twitter? Come on.....

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Kanti 1 month ago 1 point
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I do agree, the TV channels are compromising the security operations by doing live coverage of their movements and actions, more than Twitters or bloggers. Terrorists probably do not watch TV or blogs or Twitter to plan their next action, but remember in this case they are sitting inside two luxury hotels where they might have access to TV if nothing else. The mainstream media has not been acting responsibly or sensibly.

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http://www.kantikumar.com

justice to public 1 month ago 1 point
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I want to say here that it is the Beuracrates and Revanue department who are resposible for these henious crimes, like Excise, Custom and other tax department as these are most corrupted department at first, and on second the checking and inspection officers appointed by them.

As per law no material can touch indian land without clearance by them.
SO I WOULD SAY, FIGHT OR WAR IS NOT SOLUTION. IT IS THE HONEST IMPLEMENTATION OF LAW AND STRICT COMPLIANCE OF PUNITIVE ACTION.

OUR COUNTRY'S JUDUCIARY SYSTEM IS SECOND ONE WHICH IS REPOSIBLE FOR THESE. AS THE MAN WHO FILE ANY LEGAL SUIT IN HIS YOUNGTIEM HE WAIT TILL HIS OLD AGE BUT COURT CAN NOT GIVE HIM THE JUSTIC. AND ONE DAY HE DIES.

SO, THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM IS PROMOTION BOARD FOR CRIMINAL AND NAUNSCENSE ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC LIFE.

IF GOVT. WANT SOME IMPROVEMENT THINK ON ABOVE AND SHOW TO PUBLIC.

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