Government backtracks on social media clampdown
The coalition government has backed away from threats made during the height of recent rioting to shut down social networking site following a meeting with industry leaders.
Home Secretary Theresa May met with representatives from Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry amidst a background of threats from the Prime Minister down to pull the plug on such sites during any future civil unrest.
Instead the “constructive” meeting will see those inciting violence dealt with through “existing relationships.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The discussions looked at how law enforcement and the networks can build on the existing relationships and co-operation to prevent the networks being used for criminal behaviour.
"The government did not seek any additional powers to close down social media networks.”
A Twitter spokeswoman explained: “Twitter is an effective way to distribute crucial updates and dispel rumours in times of crisis or emergency."
Facebook added: "We welcome the fact that this was a dialogue about working together to keep people safe rather than about imposing new restrictions on internet services."
"There is no place for illegal activity on Facebook and we take firm action against those who breach our rules."
The continuation of the status quo follows polling suggesting that half of Brits would suport closure of social networking sites in times of crisis.