Okay this is really scary. The US government has sent a sopena to Twitter requesting the information of the more than 600 thousand Twitter followers of the @Wikileaks Twitter account. (http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/01/08/18668608.php)
This is extremely scary considering the fact that most of those followers aren’t trying to break the law. They are merely following an interesting account that is in the news.
I’m fearful that if the government gets this information it will set a precedence and create a gaping hole in the First Amendment.
The whole idea behind Twitter is the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and viewpoints. This action by the government will have a chilling effect on the people’s voice online and in general.
I guess the only thing to do now is watch to see what happens.
What do you think? Post your thoughts in the comments.
(Hat tip to @dudeman718 for tweeting the link.)
