January 21, 2005
Text messaging lets Iraqis tip authorities to attacks from a safe distance
Few Iraqi civilians want to risk being seen as informants, according to the Associated Press. That's where text messaging comes in.
"At a time when U.S. and Iraqi security forces are desperate for information on attacks -- preferably in advance -- mobile phone text messages allow civilians to pass on information from a discreet distance, their identities shielded from security forces and their neighbors.
Although a cell phone displays the caller's number, phone records are so chaotic in Iraq that chances are slim anyone could track down a tipster. And text messages can be sent to the most trusted officer, a far safer avenue than calling a police station that might be riddled with informants.
"Many, many people tell us about the terrorists with this," al-Zobaidi said, tapping his black cell phone and thumbing down to show more messages."
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