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Government Asks When It Can Shut Down Wireless Communications

Posted by Soulskill on from the right-after-we-vote-you-all-out-of-office dept.

Fluffeh writes "Around nine months ago, BART Police asked to have wireless communications disabled (PDF) between Trans Bay Tube Portal and the Balboa Park Station. That was because they knew a public protest was to take place there — and the service to the underground communication system was disabled. This affected not only cellphone signals, but also the radio systems of Police, Fire and Ambulance crews (PDF) within the underground. This led to an even larger protest at a BART station and many folks filed complaints along with the American Civil Liberties Union and Electronic Frontier Foundation. The FCC responded by launching a probe into the incident. The results were a mixed bag of 'To protect citizens!' and 'Only in extreme cases,' not to mention the classic 'Terrorists use wireless communications!' But even if the probe doesn't lead to a full proceeding and formal order, the findings may well be used as a guide for many years to come."

4 of 267 comments (clear)

  1. "Whenever you ask," say the telcos, of course by crazyjj · · Score: 5, Interesting

    it's clear that the big wireless companies are willing to shut down service—but they want the government to offer some direction. "Verizon Wireless understands that there may be some cases where shutting down wireless service to an area is necessary," the company wrote to the FCC on May 1. "In such cases, wireless carriers need a process for ensuring that the decision to shut down the network has been appropriately vetted and that the request comes from a single, reliable source."

    In other words, as long as it comes from a recognized government official, we'll be happy to comply.

    I think that's the same policy telcos have in Egypt and Syria, no?

    --
    What political party do you join when you don't like Bible-thumpers *or* hippies?
  2. No, the answer is "never" by betterunixthanunix · · Score: 5, Insightful

    There is no reason to give the government the power to shut down vital communication systems. Such power can only be abused and serves no legitimate purpose.

    --
    Palm trees and 8
  3. Re:Never? by squiggleslash · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can think of a very obvious case where shutting down a cellphone would save lives: when, if the bastard answers the fucking thing one more time, I'm going to climb over the three rows of cinema seats in front of me and beat him to death with it.

    --
    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  4. Re:So what's the answer, then? Never? by SnapaJones · · Score: 5, Insightful

    For me, freedom comes first. There is no reason to shut them down (just like there's no reason for the TSA or Patriot Act).

    But I agree that the whole, "I can't think of an explanation, so none exist." argument isn't logical.