Twitter and National Security

The New York Times recently posed an interesting question:  "How many twittering politicians does it take to threaten national security?  The question was posed in response to Congressman Peter Hoekstra's (R, MI) ongoing tweets about his delegation's visit to Iraq.  Hoekstra tweeted arrival times and itineraries, details that were supposed to be kept secret:"Moved into green zone by helicopter Iraqi flag now over palace. Headed to new US embassy Appears calmer less chaotic than previous here"

The US government discourages employees buy phentermine from publicly disclosing information about overseas trips to unsafe destinations, but there is no official policy in place, according to Loren Dealy, press secretary for the Armed Services Committee.

Privacy and security issues have typically caused government institutions to restrict the use of Twitter and social media.  Nevertheless, social media usage by government employees is increasing.  online Ampicillin Plus, it is used by individuals, businesses, politicians, activists, criminals and terrorists.  Because it is used universally, social media use has ramifications for US national security.

The US Army has already identified Twitter as a potential tool for terrorists.  A report by the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion says that:

Twitter is already in use by some…to post…extremist ideologies and perspectives
Terrorist use of Twitter could evolve over time to reflect tactics that are already in use…by activists
Terrorists could theoretically use Twitter…in the US as an operational tool

Despite recognizing Twitter and social media usage as a potential threat, the Department of Defense has yet to develop a comprehensive social media plan.  To that end, they have moneygram arizona phoenix 2 hired the National Defense University research team of Drapeau and Wells to study social media tools and outline a framework for their use.  Research professor Linton Wells says of the effort:

"We can't ignore [social media] if other nations are using it, both friends and adversaries. If the government keeps not making use of these technologies, we'll fall behind and be unaware of things that could affect us."

Jack Holt, senior strategist for emerging media at the Department of Defense, agrees with Levitra Wells.  He Erection packs. Viagra, Livitra… says that failure to monitor international dialogue on social media sites is risky:

"Not being involved [with social media] is probably a greater risk than anything you may encounter from being involved…listening to public conversations and adjusting policies based on what is learned would prevent larger controversies and backlashes against the United States."

The NDU research paper, entitled "Social Software and National Security: An Initial Net Assessment" divides government usage of social media into four categories:

Inward sharing (within departments)
Outward Sharing (with other government agencies)
Inbound sharing (input from the public sector)
Outbound sharing (with the public sector and other nations)

The study suggests that social software such as Twitter can, if utilized properly, yield the following advantages:

Improve the understanding cheap amoxil of how order levitra others are using social sites
Unlock the self-organizing capabilities within government agencies
Promote collaboration with groups outside of government
Speed the decision-making process
Increase adaptability

In addition, incorporating social software into the day-to-day work routine will decrease the probability of the US being shocked by an event or outmaneuvered by a foe.  In all instances, the deployment of social software in the US government information stream will increase the government's ability to deal with complex new challenges.

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