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U.S. Forces In Iraq Ban GPS Phones
Brian Enigma writes "According to a report last night on NPR and these two articles, Central Command has banned a particular satellite phone from reporters. It seems that it not only has a GPS--to help locate which satellite to use--but also (if activated) transmits the users location back to the phone company. Eavesdropping this signal is nontrivial, but still possible."
In related news, embedded reporters are also being instructed not to carry Iraqi homing beacons, or gigantic signs saying ``US Troops Here ----->>''
I mean, why is this news?
"And why shouldn't they?"
There isn't a reason they shouldn't. They're doing the right thing. I think the point of posting this story was to rile up the knee-jerk "banning technology is oppression!" ppl. It's kind of like running into a crowd of Mac people, putting on a helmet, and shouting "3 gigahertz!!"
*hoping the mods are open to a little humor today*
First, I think you have to realize that certain press people are with certain American forces using a certain technology...hint hint.
Second, just because the government doesn't tell everyone its intentions behind mandates doesn't mean there is a huge conspiracy behind it. What if Washington were honest in its intent to pusue justice and freedom for the Iraqi people? Whoah! Perhaps there are people in power who actually care about oppressed people and
Americans who are risking their lives to stop it!!!