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This month’s tactical discussion focuses on using mobile phones for action. From the time the tactical notebook by Amnesty International on the use of short messaging services was published here in 2004, mobile phones have only become more powerful, multifunctional and almost universal. We can now record sound, photos, even video on our phones. The pocket devices can be used to send email, files, pictures, music, surf the web and chat, wherever we are, whenever we want.
In what ways can the power of the small computers we still call “phones” be harnessed as tools for collective action, as instruments for improving the world? What technology do we see emerging that could create innovative life-changing and life-saving tactics?
Find out some of the many tactics involving the communication hub of the 21st century.
Sending out an SMS. Most innovative uses of the mobile to support human rights work and activism have so far focused on the phones’ text messaging, or SMS (Short Messaging Service) functionality. Still underused in North America, the possibility of sending snippets of text of no more than 160 characters has been utilized massively on most other continents. For example, Amnesty International in the Netherlands built a large network of SMS users who can instantly send thousands of Urgent action messages asking for the safe release of detainees. That campaign was wildly successful, especially among youth. Read the whole story right here on New Tactics. The notebook explains how the campaign was funded and supported, and covers how to contract out the technical aspects.
Organizing demonstrations. The Orange Revolution in Ukraine two years ago relied extensively on text messaging. Mobiles were used to send calls for demonstrations against election fraud, which led to a new vote. Hundreds of thousands, mostly youth, used SMS to co-ordinate protests.
Coup de text. The Philippines provided in 2001 what remains perhaps the main case study of cell phones and SMS being used to mobilize popular support against government corruption and to bring about regime change. Demonstrations involving as many as 1 million people relied heavily on instant mobile communication for their success. Political text jokes spread like virus. A steady stream of polls, petitions and motivational messages nurtured morale and determination until victory messages like these scrolled on the mini-screens: "CONGRATULATIONS! THANK U 4 UR SUPPORT N DS HSTORICL EVENT. ERAP WIL GO DOWN N PHIL. HSTORY S BEIN D 1ST PRESIDNT OUSTD BY TXT."
Protest Ringtones. As customizable cell phone ringtones have become a commodity, a number of protest sound bites have now been made available for free downloading. These can be used for instance to express popular outrage at political scandals involving government officials, such as in this example.
Join the discussion
I’ll be back later this week with more examples of innovative tactics using the mobile phone. In the meantime, join our online discussion on "Using Mobile Phones in Action" until December 4, 2007.
Practicioners in the discussion include Ken Banks of kiwanja.net, Evans Wafula of Africa Interactive, Noel Large of Interaction Belfast, Natasha Dokovska of Journalists for Children and Womens' Rights and Protection of Environment, Katrin Verclas of MobileActive.org, and Ellene Sana of Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines.
I don’t know about you, but I’m particularly interested in learning how mobile technology is being used in novel ways in other parts of the world. I’m especially intrigued about Africa and Asia where, because they are somewhat more affordable, mobile phones have become the most massively adopted piece of technology.
— Philippe Duhamel, interTactica.org
