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NYC Lawyers Subpoena Code

Posted by Zonk on from the just-trying-to-get-along dept.

RonMcMahon writes "Lawyers for the city of New York have subpoenaed the text message records of thousands of people involved in demonstrations at the 2004 Republican National Convention. Tad Hirsch, creator of the TXTmob code that enabled convention demonstrators to transmit messages to thousands of telephones, has been instructed to release the content of messages exchanged on the service and to identify people who sent and received messages. Hirsch argues that release of such information would be a violation of users' First Amendment and privacy rights. 'I think I have a moral responsibility to the people who use my service to protect their privacy,' said Hirsch."

2 of 132 comments (clear)

  1. 2004 Republican National Convention in NYC by myspace-cn · · Score: 5, Interesting

    For those who have forgotten (or never heard about) the whole unconstitutional ordeal.
    http://www.2600.com/rnc2004/index.html

    Down with Amurkan fascists! And their plastic orange fences.
    We have all gone to look for America.

  2. Re:Anonymous political speech by dreamchaser · · Score: 4, Interesting

    You're correct to a point. I should have clarified as 'inciting to violence' rather than inciting to break the law. Civil disobedience is a good thing. For that matter, there sometimes comes a point where violent revolution is a good thing as well (prior art: The American Revolution).

    I am basically of the mind that you just have to follow the course of the three boxes. Soap Box, then Ballot Box, then Ammo Box. I also hope and pray that the latter option is never really required. I would far prefer a political revolution to an armed one.