Cleveland Bans Phones Used to Riot

[The Straight Story]

Cleveland Bans Phones Used to Riot

...

City council members in the Ohio city voted a ban inciting to riot, adding tablets, computers and cell phones to a list of items considered as criminal devices when used illegally. Violators could be sentenced up to six months in jail and fined $1,000 for violating the new law, said the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The law won't just cover the devices' owners, but also anyone who receives a message and then shows up and participates in the flash mob.

Monday's action wasn't the first time Cleveland's council members took action against technology. In a previous attempt, council members tried to outlaw use of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, but Mayor Frank Jackson vetoed the legislation following complaints from free speech advocates.

...

Hardiman noted the new laws may punish people who innocently arrange get-togethers that end up getting out of control. He also complained the laws could allow illegal search and seizure of cell phones and computers.

http://www.mobiledia.com/news/119295.html

[liberal N proud]

1. Only in America

[T S Justly]

6. But, Cleveland?

:puke: But, having said that I'll look to the people of Cleveland to find a work-around.

[Matariki]

2. WTF? This is really not good.

And hopefully will be quickly overturned for the illegal POS legislation that it is.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

3. How are they gonna enforce it?

[Cronus Protagonist]

4. Herd the people with nets, look at cell phones, keep all with any relevant msgs

I can think of other ways too.

[Vinnie From Indy]

7. Somebody will come up with a wiping app that removes messages

at the touch of a few buttons or automatically after they have been received. There are a million ways to get around this one.

[Robb]

5. Perhaps we could apply for concealed phone permits.

And here we all thought the *pen* was mightier than the sword.

[saras]

8. The whole concept of "criminal devices" needs to go. Stupid, probably unconstitutional.