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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]

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Twitter has already taken microblogging to the next level, and now it has just gone a little further with the launch of TwitterFone, a new speech-to-text service enabling Twitter users to update their accounts through mobile phone.

TwitterFone basically eliminates the need to access your mobile Web and type your so-called “tweets”. Just call it in, dictate your message and it will automatically transcribe and post your message to your Twitter account within 5 to 10 minutes.

Though I’m personally not a big fan of Twitter, it is indeed a popular and powerful tool among Internet marketing practitioners and social networking addicts who are always on the go. Integrating this technology enhances its relevance and ease of use for the members of its community.

But it can be useful even if you’re not an active Twitter user. If you think about it, TwitterFone can be a reliable reminder tool for busy people. Just dictate your errands or things to do while on the go and check it online when you get home. It could work well for someone like me who tends to forget so many things. Think about it.

Although free, this service is currently in beta by invitation only, and as of now its working only in US, UK, and Ireland.

Product [TwitterFone] Via [Pat Phelan]

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