The Daily Clarity

Google Earth, GPS and iPhones – the new terrorists’ armory

  Everyday technology appears to be the latest weapon in the terrorists’ armory it seems, if you read about a couple of developments today. The Indian Courts are rapidly trying to push through a ban of Google Earth as terrorists used the online satellite imagery to help plan and identify locations in last month’s Mumbai terror attacks. As an interim measure pending resolution of the legal measures, the Indian government has asked Google to blur out ‘sensitive’ locations in India with immediate effect. Considering the Mumbai attacks took place at well-known locations, hotels and a train station for example, it will be difficult for Google to even identify what could be termed a ’sensitive’ location. Also, if as we are led to believe, the attacks were planned from Pakistani territory what practical effect an Indian ban on the site would have is questionable. Such a move is also highly impractical. With proxy servers, satellite internet access, and a whole range of other techniques banning access to a widely known public web site is nigh on impossible.

Moving on to Egypt, the government there decided today to let Apple’s iPhone be sold in the country, only if Apple disables the GPS function on the phone on any units sold there. Egypt has long tried to outlaw GPS as they believe the technology could be used by terrorists to mark sensitive locations and to map out access to another set of target locations. Egypt has tried to ban new technologies before, like satellite TV dishes. Other countries in the region have also tried this, which is why in the Middle East when you visit there you will often see balcony-installed satellite dishes draped with a rug or sheet to mask their outline. The Egyptian move is also destined to fail, as the iPhones will almost immediately be hacked and there is already a widespread black market trade in GPS devices and foreign cell phones with this functionality already in existence.

Technology is both the blessing and curse of humanity. Used for good, technology can be a lifesaver, but it can equally as well be adapted to fit the purpose of those with evil intent. The Mumbai terrorists used Blackberry internet browsers to keep up with happenings to give them an edge over security forces using real time online information sources such as Twitter and Flickr. With the advent of mini sized satellite phones, recording devices, wire taps, easily accessible Internet information sources and so on,  it becomes increasingly impossible to limit people’s access to data. Whether the data is used for good or evil, it is accessible by all. That, with the resultant risks and side effects, is the pure democracy of the new Internet and technology age. As an acquaintance of mine often says, ‘Man’s ability to develop technology outstrips its ability to manage its impact.’ India and Egypt’s moves today are made with worthy intent, but their effect will be negligible in reality.