The Mary Sue

Get Ready for Riots: Toys R’ Us Says Wii U Pre-Order Shipments May Be Delayed

by Mike Epstein Nov 17th

Black friday may not be until next week, but tomorrow may be the most intense shopping day of the year for gamers. The Wii U will be available starting at midnight, tonight, kicking off a new generation of game consoles. Millions of Nintendo fanboys have been counting the days, clutching at pre-order receipts that represent a specific console in a box that's waiting for them in a store somewhere even now... Or so they thought. Yesterday, with less than 48 hours to go before the console is expected to hit stores, Toys R' Us has started contacting customers to warn them that their Wii U shipments have been delayed, and pre-ordered consoles may not be available on launch day.

iPhone 5 Standards Cause Fistfights and Outrage at Foxconn

by Mike Epstein Oct 6th

The iPhone 5 has a earned a new nickname, the "Helen of Troy" of smartphones. Heightened production standards for Apple's newest phone, mixed with the heightened urgency of a supply shortage, have led to a series of fistfights and ultimately a massive strike at infamous Apple product manufacturer Foxconn.

One Thousand Foxconn Workers Riot At Chinese Dormitory

by Eric Limer Jun 7th

A dispute of unclear origin sparked a riot at a Chinese Foxconn plant, in which as many as 1,000 workers participated. For two hours, the workers threw bottles at security and destroyed property in the plant's dormitory area before ultimately being subdued with the help of local law enforcement.

In Wake of Riots, UK Prime Minister Proposes Social Media Restrictions

by Max Eddy Aug 11th

The recent riots around London shocked the world, and the media was quick to pick up reports that rioters were using social media platforms such as Twitter to stay one step ahead of police. According to the Guardian, UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced that in response his government will seek a means to ban individuals using such services for nefarious means. Speaking to the House of Commons, Thinq_ quotes Cameron as saying:

Everyone watching these horrific actions will be struck by how they were, organised via social media. [...] Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill. So we are working with the police, the intelligence services and industry to look at whether it would be right to stop people communicating via these websites and services when we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality.

Cameron added that the Home Secretary Theresa May will be meetings with RIM, Facebook, and Twitter representatives to discuss the matter. Though this is the first announcement by Cameron, it comes after several arrests were already made for inciting violence via social media. The Guardian says that three people have been arrested in connection with their use of the BlackBerry Messenger service, and other arrests have stemmed from inciting violence through Facebook. (UK Guardian, Thinq_ via Slashdot, image via George Rex)