Megaphone desktop tool

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Screenshot of Megaphone Desktop Tool

The Megaphone desktop tool is a Microsoft Windows application distributed by the World Union of Jewish Students and other pro-Israel organizations, through the Giyus.org website.

Megaphone, released on July 19, 2006, delivers real-time alerts about key articles, videos, blogs, and surveys to community members. Members can easily voice their opinions and work together to support Israel on the public opinion front.

1 Alleged endorsement by Foreign Ministry of Israel
2 Automatic voting
3 Remote update capability
4 Partner organizations
5 Press coverage
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] Alleged endorsement by Foreign Ministry of Israel

From StandWithUs.com:

"Many of us recognize the importance of the Internet as the new battleground for Israel's image. It's time to do it better, and coordinate our on-line efforts on behalf of Israel. An Israeli software company have developed a free, safe and useful tool for us - the Internet Megaphone.

"Please go to www.giyus.org, download the Megaphone, and you will receive daily updates with instant links to important internet polls, problematic articles that require a talk back, etc.

"We need 100,000 Megaphone users to make a difference. So, please distribute this mail to all Israel's supporters.

"Do it now. For Israel."

Amir Gissin

Director

Public Affairs Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem

[edit] Automatic voting

The Megaphone Desktop Tool gives the user the option of going to a particular site with a poll, and if the user chooses to go to the site, the software then casts a vote automatically, when this is technically feasible. The vote is chosen by the distributors of Megaphone.

"Giyus tries to save you the time and effort of locating the voting form inside the website, a seemingly simple task that may prove quite confusing at certain sites. Whenever we technically can we direct you straight to the voting action. If you have arrived at the poll results, it means that you were directed straight to the voting action and have already successfully voted. If for some reason you don't care to vote, you can always use the "No Thanks" link in the article alert popup."[1]

The user is offered the option to vote or not to vote (see screenshot above), but is not offered the option to choose their own vote.

[edit] Remote update capability

The software license provides for remote updates: "You understand and agree that Giyus.Org may provide updates, patches and/or new versions of the Software from time to time, including automatic updates that will be installed on your computer, with notice to You, as needed to continue to use the Services, and You hereby authorize such installations." [2]