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The U.S. Army has released a report containing concerns that Twitter could be used by terrorists as a way of planning attacks and keeping tabs on each other. It also contained several scenarios of such a use such as a terrorist using the microblogging site to send a tweet to remotely set off an explosive device. A second terrorist with the detonator would receive the tweet.

“Twitter is already used by some members to post and/or support extremist ideologies and perspectives,” the report said. “For example, there are multiple pro- and anti-Hezbollah Tweets. In addition, extremist and terrorist use of Twitter could evolve over time to reflect tactics that are already evolving in use by ‘hacktivists’ and activists for surveillance. This could theoretically be combined with targeting.”

Twitter has become an increasingly popular tool for all sorts of organizations. During the RNC protesters used it to organize and also to warn each other of places to avoid and police activity, and last month House Republicans used to protest a piece of legislation.

It’s not yet clear if terrorists overseas would be able to use the service as effectively as it is used here in the U.S. Such use would depend on the availability and quality of mobile service. However it’s clear that this is something to watch very carefully. Should such activity be detected it is sure to raise privacy issues since the government would no doubt insist on some sort of monitoring.

Read[ComputerWorld]