A Texan lawmaker has introduced a bill designed to crack down on gang
online activity, which would make participation in gang related
internet activities a felony.
The Anti-Gang and Corruption Act, introduced by Dallas
Republican state Sen. John Carona, is expected to go to a committee for
discussion, and is already drawing quite a bit of attention from fellow
lawmakers and Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Perry has voiced his support for the bill, saying gangs such as
the
Mexican Mafia, the Texas
Syndicate, MS-13 and Barrio Azteca are becoming increasingly
sophisticated, and their influence stretches on both sides of the
US-Mexico border.
Rob Gallardo, a gang
prevention counselor with Operation No Gangs, says a lot of gang
related online content shows illegal activities, such as drug use,
vandalism and fights. Everything is categorized and documented by the
gangs. "Graffiti is now out. The Internet replaced graffiti completely,"says Gallardo.
Mexican drug cartels have already used the internet to indimidate
Juarez police officials, and to warn of upcoming bloodshed in the city.
Almost 2,000 people were killed in the Mexican city since the start of
2008.
More
here.