at last a market for 3 G and they want to turn it off :-) Mafia turns to 3G video phones

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: Richard Solomon <rjs () goodread com>
Date: Sun, 18 May 2003 13:42:11 +0000
To: farber () cis upenn edu
Subject: BBC E-mail: Mafia turns to 3G video phones

Richard Solomon saw this story on BBC News Online and thought you
should see it.



** Mafia turns to 3G video phones **
Italy acts to stop gangsters using hi-tech 3G video phones to rig
forthcoming elections.
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/technology/3033551.stm >

------ End of Forwarded Message

 
Mafia turns to 3G video phones

Italian gangsters have found a novel use for the latest mobile phone
technology. 

They have come up with the idea of using third-generation (3G) video phones
to manipulate the vote in forthcoming regional elections.

The elections are seen as an important political test for Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi's government as the outcome could affect the stability of
centre-right coalition.

But the plan by Mafia organisations could be thwarted as the Italian
authorities have announced measures to prevent 3G phones being used in
polling stations. 

Hi-tech fraud 

Mafia groups have traditionally tried to influence elections in Italy to
hold some sway over successful candidates.

Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu has taken immediate measures to stave off
any attempt to violate the secrecy of the vote, with particular reference to
the use of 3G phones in polling stations
Interior Minister statement

In the past they have used a combination of the carrot and stick, offering
bribes or threatening violence.

The gangsters are now adopting 21st century technology to affect the outcome
of forthcoming regional elections by using video phones.

The 3G phones would be used by a voter in the polling booth to send back
images proving they had cast their ballot as instructed.

But the hi-tech electoral fraud could be stillborn, as the authorities have
got wise to the idea.

"Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu has taken immediate measures to stave off
any attempt to violate the secrecy of the vote, with particular reference to
the use of 3G phones in polling stations," said a ministry statement.

No details of the planned measure have been given. But correspondents say
voters could be asked to deposit their mobiles before heading into the
ballot box. 

Mobile obsession 

Italians are known for their love of mobile phones, so it comes as no
surprise that they are among the first consumers in the world to get their
hands on new 3G phones.

Tens of thousands of video phones are said to have been sold in recent
months by 3G network provider Hutchison.

The company hopes to have a million subscribers in Italy within a year.

The new handsets can handle huge quantities of data, like video clips, TV
news broadcasts, share price information or city maps.

But it seems unlikely that the company ever considered they could be use for
more nefarious purposes.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/3033551.stm

Published: 2003/05/16 10:28:25 GMT

© BBC MMIII


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