FCC warns extremists are turning to radio to plan attacks after being banned from social media

Leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, the Federal Communications Commission reminded personal and amateur radio operators that the use of radios to commit or facilitate criminal acts is prohibited.

“The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate and coordinate future activities,” the FCC said in a statement Sunday.

The reminder is directed to licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services, as well as the Amateur Radio Service. These services are prohibited from transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning,” according to the commission. 

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