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The article says it was updated to note that the program is specifically not targeting Facebook and Twitter. It also states: He[1] said none of the interventio
by smhenderson 10y ago
The article says it was updated to note that the program is specifically not targeting Facebook and Twitter. It also states:
He[1] said none of the interventions would be in English, as it would be unlawful to "address US audiences" with such technology, and any English-language use of social media by Centcom was always clearly attributed. The languages in which the interventions are conducted include Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and Pashto.
Despite that I think your question is still relevant. Although the article states that it would be unlawful to target US citizens I don't doubt that the NSA is not beholden to this based on their use of questionable tactics in the past.
[1] He being Centcom spokesman Commander Bill Speaks
- rconti 10y agoWait. US audiences == English-speaking, and English-speaking == US audiences? By not using English, first of all, they're limiting which non-US audiences they can propogandize (for better or for worse). Furthermore, not only is English not the only language used in the US, it's not even our OFFICIAL language! So they can impact US residences and Americans without using English at all. What an odd statement for them to make.
- smhenderson 10y agoOh, I agree, it's weasel worded (on purpose, I'm sure). I just wanted to point out that they seem to be going to great lengths to ensure people it's not happening on FB, Twitter or other US social networks. I personally don't think it's right regardless but I also thought the discussion was devolving quickly with comments about them doing it in the US when the article clearly states otherwise.
- rconti 10y agoYup; nothing against you, it just seemed like a good place to drop a reply that was vaguely on-topic.