MATT JOHNSON is chairman of Mando Group
SO NOW we have it – a real, does-what-it-says Internet Revolution.
The enormity of what’s unfolded in Cairo’s Tahrir Square since January 25 has still to find its level in the barometer of world order.
Some things, though, are very clear for all to see and hear.
Well, nearly all. The technology that equipped those largely peaceful revolutionaries with the means to achieve their goal is not available to every would-be regime changer.
In Iran last weekend, for example, efforts were being made to jam the BBC’s Persian Service in a bid to prevent people hearing independent coverage of the historic mass protests in Egypt.
Doubtless the Iranian authorities are not alone in trying to deal with stable doors and bolting horses.
TV commentators appeared to be in orderly queues on balconies overlooking the most famous address in Cairo, standing front of camera to share the view that the unfolding events were being watched “anxiously” in other parts of the Middle East and beyond.
And it is technology that’s prompted that anxiety.
It is unlikely that overthrowing a President with 30 years under his boots would have been possible in such a manner without internet-driven technology including Facebook, Twitter and You Tube. Mustering the huge numbers of protesters to the Square was, it is reported, a process largely achieved through social networking technology.
It’s been a compelling story – one that, in many respects, may be far from over.
Through countless news bulletins and printed articles came one recurring theme.
Those who made it all possible by galvanising the population into action, seeking to return dignity to their country, emerging as leaders of this Internet Revolution, were largely in their early twenties.
Scanning a newspaper report over four pages on Saturday, there were quotes from 17 of those present in the Square the previous day.Š
Each was named and gave their age.
None was older than 23.
So, a generation born into a world with the most advanced, freedom-fulfilling technology man has ever known, has brought about a generally peaceful revolution.
Communication at its best.
