Orwellian "1984" - in real life (1 Viewer)

[T Bell]

This is crazy

Maybe the Most Orwellian Text Message a Government's Ever Sent



By Brian Merchant

Ukraine's protests, now under cellphone surveillance. Image: Wikimedia“Dear subscriber, you are registered as a participant in a mass disturbance.”

That's a text message that thousands of Ukrainian protesters spontaneously received on their cell phones today, as a new law prohibiting public demonstrations went into effect. It was the regime's police force, sending protesters the perfectly dystopian text message to accompany the newly minted, perfectly dystopian legislation. In fact, it's downright Orwellian (and I hate that adjective, and only use it when absolutely necessary, I swear).

But that's what this is: it's technology employed to detect noncompliance, to hone in on dissent. The NY Times reports that the "Ukrainian government used telephone technology to pinpoint the locations of cell phones in use near clashes between riot police officers and protesters early on Tuesday." Near. Using a cell phone near a clash lands you on the regime's hit list.

See, Kiev is tearing itself to shreds right now, but since we're kind of burned out on protests, riots, and revolutions at the moment, it's being treated below-the-fold news. Somehow, the fact that over a million people are marching, camping out, and battling with Ukraine's increasingly authoritarian government is barely making a ripple behind such blockbuster news bits as bridge closures and polar vortexes. Yes, even though protesters are literally building catapaults and wearing medieval armor and manning flaming dump trucks.

Hopefully news of the nascent techno-security state will turn some heads—it's right out of 1984, or, more recently, Elysium: technology deployed to "detect" dissent. Again, this tech appears to be highly arbitrary; anyone near the protest is liable to be labeled a "participant," as if targeting protesters directly and so broadly wasn't bad enough in the first place.

It's further reminder that authoritarian regimes are exploiting the very technology once celebrated as a vehicle for liberation; last year, in Turkey, you'll recall, the state rounded up dissident Twitter users. Now, Ukraine is tracing the phone signal directly. Dictators have already proved plenty adept at pulling the plug on the internet altogether.

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating force—with the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

 

[Slapdash]

This is crazy

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating force—with the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

Good thing our government would never use technology in this way.

 

[The_Man]

This is really more of a 1984 in real life.

When I read Brave New World, I was hoping it was something about 3D sensory pron. And/or soma.

 

[T Bell]

This is really more of a 1984 in real life.

When I read Brave New World, I was hoping it was something about 3D sensory pron. And/or soma.

Agreed. I may change the thread title.

Ironically enough, today is the 30th anniversary of

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Well it's not like we all have these massive tv screens in every room in the house constantly blaring political messages....

.... actually.... now that you mention it....

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

In reality right now we have the NSA (not the CIA, not the FBI mind you...) filtering through all our metadata...

...and the one guarantee we have, which is wholly unenforced and unaudited mind you, is that it would never be used for domestic or political purposes.

Until it is.

 

[Fennis]

The text should have read:

D34r $UB$(r1B3r, j00Z R r391$73r3D 4$ 4 p4r71(1P4|\|7 1|\| 4 /\/\4$$ d1$7UrB4|\|(3

instead of

Dear subscriber, you are registered as a participant in a mass disturbance

 

[JaxBill]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

 

[Fennis]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

you want a free trip?

 

[T Bell]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

Not really. That's internal Ukranian politics there.

I'm far more worried about Chechen terrorists.

 

[The_Man]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

Not really. That's internal Ukranian politics there.

I'm far more worried about Chechen terrorists.

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.

 

[JaxBill]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

you want a free trip?

In Russia, the trip takes you!

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

Not really. That's internal Ukranian politics there.

I'm far more worried about Chechen terrorists.

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.

Yeah, and it happened in Munich, Germany too (first actually).

 

[Politician Spock]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating force—with the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

 

[T Bell]

So is the unrest in Ukraine a threat to spill over to the Sochi games in neighboring Russia?

Not really. That's internal Ukranian politics there.

I'm far more worried about Chechen terrorists.

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.

Yeah, especially when there are tens of thousands of them who have fought a civil war for years and who have multiple incidents of atrocities and mass murder against civilians to their name already.

 

[DiStefano]

This is a positive.

In the 20th century, more people were killed by their own governments than were killed by war. Now governments are trying to get ahead of that, warning people so that they won't have to kill so many.

I love you Big Brother, you are watching out for us.

 

[wazoo11]

Some of the live leaks videos are ####### nuts.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

By the way a big part of the NSA debate is who holds the data, the providers or the government. The only reason the Ukrainian government could do this is that the police force holds has access and control over the phone provider network.

This is actually a debate, it's hard to believe. "Some" (who?) in the US government actually feel they should be holding the data.

If that happens there is virtually zero difference between the USA and any given dictatorship in that specific regard. It is the golden ring of authoritarianism.

 

[Tom Servo]

This is crazy

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating force—with the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

Good thing our government would never use technology in this way.

Yeah, thank goodness.

* looks to personal NSA representative *

* NSA rep nods in approval *

* submits post *

 

[Sarnoff]

This is really more of a 1984 in real life.

When I read Brave New World, I was hoping it was something about 3D sensory pron. And/or soma.

Helpful cheat sheet to remember which is 1984 and which is Brave New World.

 

[The_Man]

This is really more of a 1984 in real life.

When I read Brave New World, I was hoping it was something about 3D sensory pron. And/or soma.

Just to explain this post, the original title of the thread was "Brave New World" - in real life

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

This is stupid. We didn't have cell phones back in 1984.

 

[Fennis]

This is stupid. We didn't have cell phones back in 1984.

this guy did

 

[Politician Spock]

This is stupid. We didn't have cell phones back in 1984.

There was one in the Rolls Royce in Sixteen Candles.

 

[T Bell]

This is stupid. We didn't have cell phones back in 1984.

There was one in the Rolls Royce in Sixteen Candles.

Det. Frank Cannon had one in the early 1970's. I'd think Tanner would remember that one.

 

[wazoo11]

crazy photo

*unsure if it's fake or not

 

[Leroy Hoard]

This is stupid. We didn't have cell phones back in 1984.

I saw William Shatner use a flip phone in a 1960's tv show.

 

[T Bell]

crazy photo

*unsure if it's fake or not

Strikes me as real. Amazing photo just from a photo composition standpoint.

 

[chauncey]

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.

1996?

 

[T Bell]

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.
1996?

I believe that was the intended joke/reference.

 

[DiStefano]

Terrible to imagine living in a country where some domestic terrorist would bomb the Olympics because of his religious beliefs.
1996?

I believe that was the intended joke/reference.

1996, or 1972...you pays your money and you takes your choice..

Although the 1972 attack was by Palestinians, they received support from domestic terrorists.

Must have been Asian Dawn (I read about it in Time Magazine)

 

[NCCommish]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating force—with the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

Technology is just another tool. Like a hammer it can be used to build or to destroy. Depends on the user. So it is inherently nothing.

 

[timschochet]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

 

[NCCommish]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

Tim have you met humans?

 

[T Bell]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

It sure worked out that way with the cotton gin!

 

[timschochet]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

It sure worked out that way with the cotton gin!

I could even make that argument if I had more time.

 

[timschochet]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

Tim have you met humans?

You mean in this forum?

 

[Politician Spock]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

It does liberate the government.

 

[T Bell]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

It sure worked out that way with the cotton gin!

I could even make that argument if I had more time.

I'm sure you can make an argument. I make a few turds every day. It doesn't mean I need to share them with the world.

 

[Charlie Steiner]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

It sure worked out that way with the cotton gin!

I could even make that argument if I had more time.

In't technology supposed to give us more time? You must not be using it right.

 

[Sarnoff]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

Tim have you met humans?

He says he has, but then in the same breath will tell you they're inherently good and will always tend to follow whatever course of action results in the maximum happiness of everyone. Sometimes I think he's only ever been exposed to other people through Family Circus cartoons.

 

[NCCommish]

All of this puts lie to the lately-popular mythology that technology is inherently a liberating forcewith the right hack, it can oppress just as easily.

There's only one poster here who believed the bolded.

And still does.

Tim have you met humans?

You mean in this forum?

Ever. At any time? We are not a nice species. We do unspeakable things to each other on an hourly basis.

 

[Fennis]

Ukrainian government lifts restrictions on use of water cannons in cold weather

The Ukrainian government has amended the regulations on using special means in protecting public order by allowing police forces to use water cannons against rioters regardless of air temperature.

"Water cannons shall be used by police to curb mass unrest and group violations of public order, counter attacks on buildings, structures, other facilities, and vehicles regardless of their ownership, protect civilians, and defend themselves from attacks and other actions posing a threat to their lives, health, housing, or property," says the new version of Clause 16 of the rules of the use of special means during the protection of public order endorsed by the government on January 22, 2014.

The previous version of the rules indicated that water cannons could be used to disperse participants in mass unrest on condition that the air temperature is not below zero degrees Celsius.

As of 1400 on Wednesday, the temperature in Kyiv was minus 10 degrees Celsius, and it had been snowing there for the second day

 

[timschochet]

We also dI very nice things to each other. We can be very generous and kind.

 

[Fennis]

Ukrainian government lifts restrictions on use of water cannons in cold weather

The Ukrainian government has amended the regulations on using special means in protecting public order by allowing police forces to use water cannons against rioters regardless of air temperature.

"Water cannons shall be used by police to curb mass unrest and group violations of public order, counter attacks on buildings, structures, other facilities, and vehicles regardless of their ownership, protect civilians, and defend themselves from attacks and other actions posing a threat to their lives, health, housing, or property," says the new version of Clause 16 of the rules of the use of special means during the protection of public order endorsed by the government on January 22, 2014.

The previous version of the rules indicated that water cannons could be used to disperse participants in mass unrest on condition that the air temperature is not below zero degrees Celsius.

As of 1400 on Wednesday, the temperature in Kyiv was minus 10 degrees Celsius, and it had been snowing there for the second day

The government used water cannons against the protesters today in freezing weather

Live Stream

 

[NCCommish]

We also dI very nice things to each other. We can be very generous and kind.

Yeah we do a kind thing for one person while somewhere some junta kills ten thousand with machetes. It really doesn't even out in the long run. There are times I think it's probably a good thing long term that so many short sighted people are in charge around here. Us getting out of this solar system may be the equivalent to giving the Milky Way the Ebola virus. Which by the way people are working on weaponizing. Yay us.

 

[Fennis]

Die Welt: The Russian solution in Kiev.

Violence during protests in Ukraine is escalating, resulting in deaths. In reality, the person behind this development into a police state is Vladimir Putin

 

[timschochet]

We also dI very nice things to each other. We can be very generous and kind.

Yeah we do a kind thing for one person while somewhere some junta kills ten thousand with machetes. It really doesn't even out in the long run. There are times I think it's probably a good thing long term that so many short sighted people are in charge around here. Us getting out of this solar system may be the equivalent to giving the Milky Way the Ebola virus. Which by the way people are working on weaponizing. Yay us.

NC, my father was a Holocaust survivor. I am quite aware of how terrible and murderous man can be. And I'm telling you you're wrong- it does even out, and then some. Our capacity for good far outweighs our capacity for evil.

 

[Politician Spock]

We also dI very nice things to each other. We can be very generous and kind.

Yeah we do a kind thing for one person while somewhere some junta kills ten thousand with machetes. It really doesn't even out in the long run. There are times I think it's probably a good thing long term that so many short sighted people are in charge around here. Us getting out of this solar system may be the equivalent to giving the Milky Way the Ebola virus. Which by the way people are working on weaponizing. Yay us.

NC, my father was a Holocaust survivor. I am quite aware of how terrible and murderous man can be. And I'm telling you you're wrong- it does even out, and then some. Our capacity for good far outweighs our capacity for evil.

Until evil has the tools to tip the scale in their favor.

 

[NCCommish]

We also dI very nice things to each other. We can be very generous and kind.

Yeah we do a kind thing for one person while somewhere some junta kills ten thousand with machetes. It really doesn't even out in the long run. There are times I think it's probably a good thing long term that so many short sighted people are in charge around here. Us getting out of this solar system may be the equivalent to giving the Milky Way the Ebola virus. Which by the way people are working on weaponizing. Yay us.

NC, my father was a Holocaust survivor. I am quite aware of how terrible and murderous man can be. And I'm telling you you're wrong- it does even out, and then some. Our capacity for good far outweighs our capacity for evil.

I think the capacity for both is about the same. And my admittedly amateur psych knowledge tells me that it really doesn't take much for the majority of people to get to where they are perfectly fine heaping abuse on their fellow man. Many experiments attest to it.