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UK To Shut Down Social Networks?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the because-they-can dept.

Stoobalou writes "In a move worthy of China's communist regime, UK PM David Cameron wants to shut down social networks whenever civil unrest rears its head in Britain's towns and cities. Speaking in the House of Commons, Cameron said, 'Everyone watching these horrific actions will be struck by how they were, organized 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.'" So far I haven't heard anyone blame the Rock 'n Roll music, but if social networks aren't a good enough culprit, you could also try blaming video games.

6 of 403 comments (clear)

  1. China? by creat3d · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Worthy of China? Sure, but Egypt was the first time that came to mind while watching this disgraceful session live... that didn't work too well BTW.

    --
    Grammar nazis are to this community what excrements are to gold.
    1. Re:China? by WrongSizeGlass · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Worthy of China? Sure, but Egypt was the first time that came to mind while watching this disgraceful session live... that didn't work too well BTW.

      What these so called "leaders" don't understand is the same social networks used to organize these actions are also being used by the public to warn each other about where these attacks are taking place, where to avoid and calling their friends & neighbors to arms to help them protect their families, homes and businesses.

    2. Re:China? by Dunbal · · Score: 5, Insightful

      That's ok, I'm waiting for the UN to draft a security council resolution that permits any and all means necessary to support the protesters and enforces a no fly zone on the UK.

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      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    3. Re:China? by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Funny

      The main difference, of course, as that the UK PM is discussing the action before just plain doing it without informing the public.

      Yes, it's always so much better when the rapist let's you know he's going to rape you before he does it.

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    4. Re:China? by 1s44c · · Score: 5, Insightful

      More to the point, the problem here isn't social media, rather it is that the police feel its okay to shoot kids and the kids feel its okay to loot and riot. Both of which can occur just as well with or without social media.

      Youtube has done a lot of good by bringing police abuses in many countries to the public attention. Video shows exactly what happened with no room for bias. Freedom of social networks and media in general is something we should defend.

  2. that's not enough! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Mr Cameron, the problem starts with the fact that those criminals can READ and WRITE. This is a risk we can no longer allow!
    Please, for the sake of our lives, CLOSE ALL SCHOOLS IMMEDIATELY before they can release EVEN MORE CRIMINALS upon us!