So the “patriots” (read traitors and terrorists) have realized that planning and committing sedition live on social media might not be the smartest thing they could do. They’ve apparently decided they can switch to radios, including HAM radios, to circumvent the FBI and the NSA.

I’ve got some bad news, (proud) boys.

Big Brother is on to you. The FCC issued this warning Sunday morning:

Federal Communications Commission   DA 21-73

DA 21-73
Released: January 17, 2021

FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY

WARNING: AMATEUR AND PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES LICENSEES AND OPERATORS MAY NOT USE RADIO EQUIPMENT TO COMMIT OR FACILITATE CRIMINAL ACTS
The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission issues this Enforcement Advisory to remind licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts.

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 Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.

Specifically, the Bureau reminds amateur licensees that they are prohibited from transmitting “communications intended to facilitate a criminal act” or “messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.” 47 CFR § 97.113(a)(4).
Likewise, individuals operating radios in the Personal Radio Services, a category that includes Citizens Band radios, Family Radio Service walkie-talkies, and General Mobile Radio Service, are prohibited from using those radios “in connection with any activity which is against Federal, State or local law.” 47 CFR § 95.333(a).
Individuals using radios in the Amateur or Personal Radio Services in this manner may be subject to severe penalties, including significant fines, seizure of the offending equipment, and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. 47 U.S.C. §§ 401, 501, 503, 510.

Media inquiries should be directed to 202-418-0500 or MediaRelations@fcc.gov.
To file a complaint with the FCC, visit https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-CALL-FCC. To report a crime, contact your local law enforcement office or the FBI.
To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Issued by: Chief, Enforcement Bureau

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What all that means is that the Feds have become aware that some of these nutjobs may have decided to use FRS, GMRS, CB, and HAM radios to coordinate their supposed “patriot acts” in the days leading up to the inauguration.

Now, the bulletin doesn’t specifically mention the recent “troubles” at the Capitol, but that is clearly the underlying motivation for this “reminder”. It tells those planning to use their handy-dandy handi-talkies that Uncle Sam is listening, and his radios are a lot more sophisticated than their $50 Baofengs. Key one of those puppies up in Washington, D.C., or in any of the state capitals, to coordinate your little act of sedition, especially if you are transmitting somewhere out-of-band, and they are going to be warming up a pair of handcuffs for you. I’m kidding, of course. It’s winter, and those cuffs are generally worn on a pouch on their belts, so they won’t be warm at all.

So… if you’re reading this and planning on joining the idiots-on-parade this week (not that I think any of *my* readers would do such a thing, but you never know where something you posted on the Internet might end up), don’t use a two-way radio to do it. Especially not if you’re a HAM, as you should know better. First, it’s against the law (law and order, remember?). Second, it’s just plain dumb.

73, KC6YRU