For the first time ever, the NYPD (through the Mayor's office) used the CMAS messaging this week first on Saturday night to alert the residents of Chelsea about the bombing and then again on Monday morning to alert all residents of NYC about the suspected Chelsea bomber. Do you think both instances were a responsible use of this technology? Why or why not?
As we discussed in class this week, this also raises complicated questions about the digital divide. If the NYPD can warn residents with mobile phones about a possible terrorist attack - and potentially save lives in the process - does that obligate us as a society to make sure everyone has access to this technology? Do you think the private phone carriers have an obligation to service this access? Why or why not?