Should we or should we not disclose our Twitter sources in Iran?
In one of the murkiest informational environments possible - as we thought information flows were no longer controllable - it's a very tough question.
Because otherwise, how can we differentiate between the real information, the rumours, and the lies?
Some suggest we don't disclose sources, that when RT-ing (new verb?) one should replace the name of your source with 'RT @fromIran' or the like.
The main weakness of this method is obviously that anyone can claim anything came from Iran and pass it forward.
Yesterday I put up a list of Twitterers in Iran, whom were considered as reliable sources of info, and was met with an immediate barrage of objections - some reasonable, some hysteric, some plain rude, all from Westerners and none from Iranians - suggesting that was endangering them.
I took it off until further thinking, though I disagree overall.
here's why:
a) If they chose to write, they are doing so for a reason. They wish to be heard. And none of us armchair observers are in a situation to patronise them and suggest they are unaware of the risks they may be taking, and decide to shut them up of our will.
Our responsibility towards them, is to forward as accurate information as possible.
b) How else can we differentiate between the real and the bullshit? Weak as it may be, we have amassed over the past few days a number of sources we consider reliable. Now more than ever, what appears to be pro-government (or just government) tweeters are trying to spread false information. Twitspam has a dynamic list of those.
Peter from the Road to the Horizon reports this message from a Tweeter inside Iran:
Change_for_Iran: Please RT with my username, they already know about this account and at least it would reduce the number of false RTs & I can block them
and
c) They are writing on a public forum, and the list is available elsewhere anyway. Google it yourself, try!
Furthermore, it only takes a trained monkey to do a search on the #iranelection hashtag and figure out who's posting what.
A more erudite monkey will check out this website for a nicer interface and a dynamically updated info stream.
The primary source for my list, Simon Columbus received, among other things, anonymous emails calling him a 'fucking instrument for murder' - he eventually decided to delete his as well.
But is there really a security hazard?
Probably, yes. It's no secret that controlling information is something the Iranian government is trying particularly hard to maintain.
But I don't think anything we do can increase or decrease it.
So what I'll do is the following. I will not, until further notice, put the list up. Primarily because I don't feel like dealing with the people complaining out there.
But I surely will be re-tweeting with the Twitter usernames of the sources.
Especially that most of them are pseudonyms and nicknames anyway...
And I invite you to do the same.
Update: Several has a somewhat more technical post on the issue and reaches the same conclusion.
6 comments:
I totally agree, if they want to post, we should repost. that is why they are writing. If you are interested in Egyptian reactions on Twitter, please check out "Twitter Revolution" on my blog: http://bikyamasr.wordpress.com
Would love your thoughts.
I totally agree, Mohamed. The decision you reached is the wisest to be made in these situations. I particularly highlight the importance of the first reason you listed.
We in the west tend to take our way of life for granted at times and lack the appreciation for the things that come easy to us. Things such as information.
Some of us try to invite ourselves into others' issues thinking we know what's best. We forget there are vast differences in culture and, without correct information, fail to observe what is proper and right in another culture. Some would say we as a whole do not have culture. Being from one of the original nations in this land, I would tend to agree. My way of life was nearly stamped out by the US government 100 years ago. But there are some of us who remember.
In the case of the mass protest, if Iranians didn't want us (westerners) to know what is going on, then why all the protest signs written in English? It is seen in some circles as a cry to the west for help, but we don't know how to help. We need to be told what is needed. Even if it is to butt out and let times take their course. We do get the messages and we are watching and praying.
Please do not judge an entire nation by its government's clumsy "foreign policy" methods. I can see by what is being posted that we are all looking for the same freedoms. Some of us are more courageous than others toward getting them.
Thank you for allowing me to speak.
"People are people, so why should it be...You and I should get along so awfully..." -Depeche Mode
They do want us to know, Injuntarian, and this is why you have this war of information between the government expelling foreign reporters and reducing bandwidth in Iran, and the demonstrators trying to get the info out.
I'm not sure what is needed. Proxies and the like, for now, and disseminating the information we obtain. And beyond that.. what?
Two huge stars die in Hollywood and suddenly we have nothing else over the airwaves. The American media are so fickle. Frankly, I'm already sick to death of hearing about Michael Jackson.
Please keep the information moving as much as you can. What you are doing is far more important than anything that wacko ever thought of doing.
God watch over you, Mo-ha-med.
thank you, Injuntarian!
Post a Comment