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Free speech groups react angrily to David Cameron's suggestion that social networks could be shut down to prevent further riots and looting
The Government is considering blocking social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter in order to prevent further riots and looting.
In a statement to Parliament Prime Minister David Cameron directly linked the use of social media with the organisation of riots across England in August.
"Everyone watching these horrific actions will be struck by how they were organised via social media."
The Prime Minister said the free flow of information could be used "for good" but also "for ill", adding that "when people are using social media for violence we need to stop them."
Mr Cameron said the Government was working with the police to decide if it would be right to stop people communicating on social networks if "we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality".
Jim Killock, the executive director of the online organisation Open Rights Group said such hasty actions risked creating "unbalanced laws and abuses of our rights".
"David Cameron must be careful not to attack these fundamental needs because of concerns about the actions of a small minority.
"It may be that, in exceptional circumstances, a court may order an account to be suspended, because it is being used for criminal activity, or to harass someone," said Mr Killock.
"The coalition should resist calls for police powers or private arrangements for account suspensions," he added.
Conservative MP Louise Mensch said she saw no problem with shutting down social networks during a "major national emergency".
In a post on Twitter Louise Mensch wrote: "I don't have a problem with a brief temporary shutdown of social media just as I don't have a problem with a brief road or rail closure."
Reporters Without Borders, an organisation that monitors press freedom across the world, implored the Government not to block social networks.
"We urge the British authorities to rule out any possibility of shutting down or drastically restricting the use of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter."
The organisation added that any move to suspend social-networking services could have "grave consequences" and that threats to freedom "are now real".
RIM, the company behind the Blackberry smartphones linked to some of the riots, has already said it is "engaged with the authorities" and would assist in any way it could.
A number of arrests have already been made by police forces investigating the use of social networks to incite violence.
Hampshire Police arrested three people in Southampton on the morning of 11 August for inciting violence on Twitter. The arrests were made following posts made on Twitter encouraging people to riot in Southampton.
A further three people were arrested by police in Cheshire for inciting disorder through social networks.
What do you think? Would shutting down Facebook, Twitter and other social networks help to stop riots? Vote in our poll by clicking here.
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What about the innocent who may want to warn others
Whilst the rioting was going on,both the Thames Valley Police on Twitter and Facebook friends were updating information and warning of hot-spots. This gave us both reassurance and warned us to keep away from certain areas. If the government had closed twitter and FB no one would have been warned. To suggest doing this is very sinister indeed. We must not walk down a blind path of apathy to appease. My Grandfather, along with many thousands of others, died during WWII to keep our country free from oppression. I will stand up and fight for my freedom of speech and expression. I am no rioter, or ever law-breaker, but we must not be lead blindly to a place where we are oppressed and the rights of the people who love and work hard for this country are suppressed. By all means close down accounts of anyone who posts messages of incitement during a crisis such as last weeks looting, but leave us innocents alone thank you.
Posted by Sheila McColm, 15 Aug 2011
close social network sites
Hello,I think this would not work,but close the roiters networking sites yes definately,but on saying that,once they are closed whats stopping them signing up with a fake name and everything,then we are back to the same situation,with all the technology out there why not make sure everybody who signs up to a social networking site,put in there home address and exactly who they r ie with a driving licence photograph on their site,also all their benefits need to be stopped and have them sent to all the people they have looted and property damaged to help them get back on their feet,and everyone convicted who is in a council property should be evicted immediately,its no good sending them to prison or detention centers as what are they today,nothing but holiday camps.Another way to perhaps try and resolve this ,is to bring back national service,and everyone convicted are made to join one of the armed forces for 2 yrs,if the rioters want to fight and loot,them let them go where the fighting is and bring home all the service men who are there now,I used to live beside people who would riot and steal anything,and one day caught them red handed touching my stuff and warned them if ever i caught them again would make sure they didnt steal anymore as they wouldnt have any hands to do it with,and for ages they were just scared stiff to pass let alone touch anything
Posted by Edgar Mills, 16 Aug 2011
Blocking Facebook and Twitter during riots threatens freedom
how pathetic, why should we have our freedom of speech taken away? We should be allowed to say what we want to say there is nothing wrong with frreedom of speech. More riots will be caused,more websites will be hacked if our freedom of speech is taken away.
Posted by Donna, 22 Aug 2011
rioting
hello nobdys is suggesting stopping free speech what everybody is sick of,is all the rioting,and what about all those who have lost their property,ie the furniture store burnt to the ground,as for free speech u can say what u like thats not the problem,the problem is inciting others to do as they r doing,that is and never will be free speech,that is causing rioting.
Posted by Edgar Mills, 23 Aug 2011