The Obama administration's views in 2010, when things on the web were working in their favor and against governments they oppose (Iran), were very pro internet freedom. Rebels unhappy with government in Iran should be able to say whatever they please...but what about those unhappy with government in the US 3 years later?
In 2010 they did say they did not tolerate those who would incite others to violence, such as Al Qaeda.
2010: Remarks on Internet Freedom
The White House is announcing plans to create a government group to counter, and enforce laws against the "radicalization" of individuals on the web.
2013: Homeland Security Today: White House Moves to Counter Online Radicalization
I wonder if this has something to do with the $2B spy center they're building in the Utah (IIRC) desert?
One worrisome thing is the press release states that this is group is specifically tailored not only to overseas threats, but to "violent sovereign citizens"...meaning those US citizens on US soil who have radical views on federal law. "Sovereign citizens" are classified by the FBI as terrorists. The press release also addresses those who seek to create division.
Makes me wonder, is a citizen using the web to organize resistance and division (peaceful or otherwise) against a federal law instantly a "sovereign citizen" (and therefore a terrorist), subject to anything the government pleases without due process?
Rallying support to resist any federal law seems to equal terrorism by the FBI's definition. Suspected terrorists can now have their property seized, be held indefinitely, or executed without ever stepping foot in a court room...and anyone who incites others to resist the feds seem to be easily labeled as domestic terrorists.
Maybe i'm going a little tin-foil hat on this one, but this is far more authority than the government has any legitimate right to.
In 2010 they did say they did not tolerate those who would incite others to violence, such as Al Qaeda.
2010: Remarks on Internet Freedom
The White House is announcing plans to create a government group to counter, and enforce laws against the "radicalization" of individuals on the web.
2013: Homeland Security Today: White House Moves to Counter Online Radicalization
I wonder if this has something to do with the $2B spy center they're building in the Utah (IIRC) desert?
One worrisome thing is the press release states that this is group is specifically tailored not only to overseas threats, but to "violent sovereign citizens"...meaning those US citizens on US soil who have radical views on federal law. "Sovereign citizens" are classified by the FBI as terrorists. The press release also addresses those who seek to create division.
Makes me wonder, is a citizen using the web to organize resistance and division (peaceful or otherwise) against a federal law instantly a "sovereign citizen" (and therefore a terrorist), subject to anything the government pleases without due process?
Rallying support to resist any federal law seems to equal terrorism by the FBI's definition. Suspected terrorists can now have their property seized, be held indefinitely, or executed without ever stepping foot in a court room...and anyone who incites others to resist the feds seem to be easily labeled as domestic terrorists.
Maybe i'm going a little tin-foil hat on this one, but this is far more authority than the government has any legitimate right to.