Free speech only in person

You’ve undoubtedly heard that the authorities shut down cell phone service in order to disrupt a protest at the BART stations in northern California. One would think that people would be disturbed by such unilateral action without provocation, particularly when modern communications technology is now so necessary for everyday life — and has had such a salutary effect on organizing democracy movements around the world. It would seem to be basic to freedom of speech in our brave new world.