The US government is warning that extremists could turn to radio equipment to plan future after attacks being blocked from major social media platforms. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said that people who coordinate or conduct criminal activities in this way are breaking the law.
“The Commission has discovered discussions taking place on social media platforms that indicated that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media for extremist groups to communicate and coordinate future actions,” the FCC said.
According to the FCC, individuals who use Amateur and Personal Radio Services in this manner are subject to severe penalties. These include large fines, confiscation of equipment , or even criminal prosecution.
The Commission allows certain transmissions over the airwaves. However, it reminded licensees and radio operators that transmitting “communications for the purpose of facilitating a criminal act” is prohibited. In addition, encoding messages to conceal the true meaning of the message from law enforcement is prohibited
The laws governing these communications apply to amateurs who transmit on personal ham radios, which can reach long distances. They also apply to people who use Citizens Band (CB) radios.
Following the attack on the Capitol, which claimed the lives of five people, major social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been very careful and more censoring the content uploaded by users, in order to block accounts that plan or incite attacks. The platforms have removed thousands of groups and users that appear to be involved in dangerous conspiracy theories and other violent behavior or hate speech.
For similar reasons, Amazon, Apple, and Google have removed the Parler app from their app stores and services. Parler is a popular app among conservatives, and its popularity has grown even more since the Capitol attack. More and more Trump have turned to the app after it was banned by major platforms. Amazon, Apple, and Google have said they will reinstate the app if steps are taken to block messages and comments that promote violence.
Parler's CEO accused the companies of a coordinated effort to destroy competition and sued Amazon for antitrust violations, breach of contract, and interference with the company's business relationships with users.
“Without AWS, Parler is finished as it has no way to go online,” the complaint said.
On the other hand, Amazon said that Parler's lawsuit has no merit.
Source: CNN International
