UK mobile networks Orange and T-Mobile are currently working alongside the police force to help identify and apprehend those behind this week’s terrible riots which has seen London, Birmingham and Bristol – amongst other British cities – brought to a standstill in wake of the senseless destruction.
The law has asked Everything Everywhere – the company from which the two big networks are a subsidiary – to hand over customer information where it relates to those involved in the damages and looting of businesses and properties which began this past Tuesday.
Blackberry maker RIM has already confirmed it will pass user information over to the police, to aid the massive efforts now needed to name the guilty parties and bring them before the court. Blackberry Messenger was heavily criticized for its usage in recent riot planning.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act means that usually private customer information can be used in the investigation of criminal activities, and this will hopefully reveal where and when calls were made or texts were sent contributing towards or organizing the incidents.
Mobile networks have also blocked mobile phones which have been stolen in the looting of businesses in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Check out that story – here.
Read the Gadget Helpline’s article on how social networking and mobile phones both helped and hindered the riot efforts – here.
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