During the ongoing anti-terror lockdown in Brussels, police have been asking for ‘radio silence’ from the press and social media, to help their operations. Twitter users in the city haven’t stopped tweeting: they’re just using cats instead of real information
Par sécurité, veuillez respecter le silence radio sur les médias sociaux concernant les opérations de police en cours à #Bruxelles. Merci
— Police Fédérale (@PolFed_presse) November 22, 2015
The Netherlands police tweeted “For security, please respect the radio silence on social media regarding the police operations in Brussels”. Presumably, they’re worried that people posting news and pictures of raids in progress could tip suspects off to police movements.
Dealing with technology during terrorist attacks has always been a problem. In some cases, like London during the 7/7 bombings, cell service was shut down. It’s not feasible for the police to ‘shut down’ Twitter in this case, but it seems that the polite request worked as planned.
Major police operation underway in #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/DUZwfi0lOO
— Harry Boone (@towersight) November 22, 2015
Aircrafts flying over Belgium during #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/ulQ9Aro8qN
— Jens Bombey (@J_enom) November 22, 2015
BREAKING NEWS : Belgium Police using the new 200mph Hovercat during terrorist operations #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/MnIpiOZT3x
— Jayce le Satirique (@jaycelight) November 22, 2015
#relax, Mes amis #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/LENxVUnnv9
— JaneAustenMaMaschio (@ExTimUpperClass) November 22, 2015
Raids are taking place. Authorities asked not tweet. So people tweet cat picts. Love my people #BrusselsLockDown pic.twitter.com/uQwS3M8LyV
— Frederic Jacobs (@FredericJacobs) November 22, 2015
Residents told to stay away from windows. Not sure they got the message #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/kv3Mosk5mZ
— Matteo Albania (@m_albania) November 22, 2015