Blocked from social media, extremists discuss turning to radios to plan attacks, FCC warns

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In a stern warning on Sunday, the Federal Communications Commission enforcement office said people who coordinate or carry out criminal activity over radio waves are breaking the law.

“The Bureau has taken note of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission could be an alternative to social media platforms to allow groups to communicate and coordinate their future activities,” said the Commission. FCC in its warning Sunday. “Individuals using radios in amateur or personal radio services in this manner can be subject to severe penalties, including large fines, seizure of offending equipment and, in some cases, criminal prosecution.”

The FCC allows certain signals for people to broadcast over the radio waves. These messages are generally protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. But the FCC has reminded licensees and radio operators that transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” is prohibited. People are also not allowed to encode their messages to hide their meaning from law enforcement.

The laws governing the airwaves apply to amateurs broadcasting with personal amateur radios, which can reach long distances. But they also apply to people using Citizens Band (CB) radios commonly used for communication between truckers – or even walkie-talkies.

Following the Capitol riots of January 6, Facebook (FB), Twitter (TWTR) and other traditional social networks have become more vigilant about monitoring people who use their platforms to plan or instigate attacks. They have launched several high profile radicals and thousands of groups and users who, depending on the platform, engage in harmful conspiracy theories and other violence or hate speech.
Likewise, Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) effectively removed Talking from the Internet. Parler, the alternative social network popular with conservatives, has grown in popularity in recent months. But the platform has failed to contain violent and hate speech, Big Tech companies say. Amazon, Apple and Google have said unmoderated talk could lead to another violent attack.
In response, Parler sued Amazon last week, alleging a violation of antitrust laws, breach of contract and interference in the company’s business dealings with users. The complaint calls Amazon Web Services’ decision a “death blow” to Parler.

“Without AWS, Talking is over because it has no way to connect,” the complaint states. “And a delay in granting this TRO for even a day could also spell the end of Parler as President Trump and others move on to other platforms.”

Amazon said Parler’s lawsuit had “no merit.”

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