Britain's PM considers social media ban to curb riots
Cameron says ban might inhibit those plotting violence, looting
Computerworld - British Prime Minister David Cameron said Thursday he is considering a ban on social networking to help curb the riots that have rocked the country.
Speaking to the nation's House of Commons, Cameron said he is working with Scotland Yard and U.K. intelligence agencies to put an end to the rioting and looting that has shaken London and other British cities. And one tactic under consideration is to try to prevent rioters from using social media , which has reportedly been used to coordinate criminal activity.
"Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill," Cameron said Thursday. "And when people are using social media for violence, we need to stop them."
Cameron did not say how officials would stop social media use but did say it was being investigated as a possibility.
"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," the prime minister said.
The riots began this past Sunday night after police shot and killed a 29-year-old man.
