Egyptian Authorities Hijack Texts

Mobile text messaging is down in Egypt—except for government messages, apparently. Vodafone Group said Egyptian authorities used emergency powers to force mobile operators to carry its messages. "This is a message from the Egyptian Armed Forces: Egyptian youth beware of rumors and listen to the voice of reason. Egypt is above everyone so protect it," read one text sent Tuesday. "To every mother, father, brother and sister, to every honorable citizen, take care of this country for this nation lasts forever," read another. Although Vodafone says they told authorities that the policy is unacceptable and that the government must at least be transparent about who's sending the messages, they say they have no legal or practical options but to “comply with the demands of the authorities.”