Massachusetts: Violating 2nd Amendment Rights On A Whole New Level

Published on November 30, 2016
Duration: 6:04

This video discusses the Boston Police Department's plan to implement social media monitoring software, raising concerns about violations of Second Amendment rights, freedom of speech, and privacy. The software will scan online platforms for keywords deemed threats, using IP addresses and geofencing to track individuals. Civil liberties groups have criticized the lack of transparency and public input regarding the use of taxpayer funds for this surveillance program.

Quick Summary

The Boston Police Department is rolling out a new software to monitor social media for threats, raising significant concerns about violations of freedom of speech, privacy, and Second Amendment rights. The system uses keyword searches, IP tracking, and geofencing to alert authorities to online activity, drawing criticism from civil liberties advocates for its lack of transparency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: MA Violating 2nd Amendment Rights
  2. 00:21Boston Police Announce Social Media Monitoring Software
  3. 00:44Software Capabilities: Searching Social Media
  4. 01:10Geofencing and IP Address Tracking
  5. 01:38Example: Pro-2A Content Flagged
  6. 02:25Cost and Vendor Timeline
  7. 02:45Police Statement vs. Reality
  8. 03:06Historical Misuse of Technology
  9. 03:30Publicly Available Information Argument
  10. 03:41Mayor Walsh's Support
  11. 03:48Civil Liberties Groups' Concerns
  12. 04:20Precedent: Baltimore and Ferguson
  13. 04:34FBI's Twitter Firehose Deal
  14. 04:41Former Cop's Perspective on Rights
  15. 04:55Geofencing and Monitoring for 'Wrongdoing'
  16. 05:11Big Brother vs. Gun Rights and Free Speech
  17. 05:28Age of Computer Program Monitoring
  18. 05:44Hope for Trump Administration
  19. 05:51Conclusion and Safety Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What new surveillance technology is the Boston Police Department implementing?

The Boston Police Department is implementing a software program designed to monitor internet and social media platforms. Its purpose is to detect criminal activity and threats to public safety by scanning for specific keywords deemed as potential threats.

How does the social media monitoring software work?

The software searches platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for designated keywords. Upon identifying a potential threat, it records the IP address and creates a geofence around the device's location, alerting police to new posts within that area.

What are the main concerns raised about this surveillance program?

Concerns include potential violations of freedom of speech and privacy rights, as well as the erosion of Second Amendment protections. Civil liberties groups have also criticized the lack of transparency and public input regarding the use of taxpayer funds for this technology.

Has similar technology been used by law enforcement before?

Yes, similar social media monitoring programs have been utilized by law enforcement agencies in cities like Baltimore and Ferguson during periods of unrest. The FBI also has an agreement to monitor Twitter's public data stream.

Related News

All News →

More 2nd Amendment & Law Videos You Might Like

More from Guns & Gadgets 2nd Amendment News

View all →