In the wake of Tunisia's recent deadly terrorist attacks, a group of young developers put their heads together to create an app they are pitching as a tool to combat terrorism.
"Edder3, an application for participating in the fight against terrorism?"
The app, called Edder3 and translated as Shield in English, allows users to automatically and anonymously report any suspicious activity by a person or in a specific place through the app. Information reported by users is then added to the apps map as a red eye, so other users can note areas where suspected terrorist activities have been reported. Additionally, the app provides a direct avenue for reporting suspicious incidents to the authorities.
"Because of recent events experienced in Tunisia and given the critical situation we live in today, we, the Tunisians should react against such acts of terrorism and take good care of our Tunisia. It is for this reason that "Edder3" has been proposed! This mobile technology offers the opportunity to respond and report any suspicious act or terrorism. Tunisia will need us now more than ever! So we are counting on you for this mission!" says the apps description on Google play.
Currently the app has few users, but in the long run the developers also plan to add the option to upload photos and the ability for users to comment.
"First application denouncing oppression and terrorism."
While its always a good be conscious of one's surroundings and to be cautious in sticky situations, this new app raises some concerns as well.
Currently the application has no system of checks and balances. Anyone could report anything they deem suspicious. If extrapolated on a large scale, this could foster a "Big Brother" style environment where everyone watches each other with suspicion. Individuals could easily post false concerns simply because of personal biases or individual conflicts. Pranksters could also use the app to report completely bogus claims.
However, the inventors of the app were merely following a suggestion from Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli who – following the recent attacks – suggested just such an app should be created to transmit information directly to security officials.
So, the question is posed: If everyone is suspiciously monitoring everyone else, can future attacks be prevented?