There has been some excitement about the idea of using technology to address the problems of the Mexican Drug War. As someone involved in technology, I find it inspiring that other techies are trying to do something to end the conflict. However, I also worry when I read ideas based on flawed assumptions. For example, the assumption that “good…
Shouting Fire in a Crowded Hashtag: Narco Censorship & “Twitteroristas” in Mexico’s Drug Wars
The press is one of the many casualties of Mexico’s ongoing violence, in particular, the local media. Newspapers and TV stations are caught in a battle between censorship, control and threats from the drug cartels and the local governments. In some cities, people often witness shootings, grenade attacks and other violent events, but when they try…