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U.K. prime minister talks social media crackdown

Against the backdrop of widespread rioting, David Cameron tells Parliament: "When people are using social media for violence, we need to stop them."

by Jack Clark

The U.K. government is considering whether social media services should be shut off at times of disorder, the British prime minister, David Cameron, has told Parliament.

Cameron's comments were made in a speech to the House of Commons today. Parliament has been recalled from its summer recess to respond to the violent disorder that has affected London, Manchester, Birmingham and other U.K. cities.

"Mr Speaker, everyone watching these horrific actions will be stuck by how they were organized via social media," Cameron said. "Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill."

"When people are using social media for violence, we need to stop them," he added in a statement.

Read more of "Cameron hints at social media crackdown" at ZDNet UK.

Related stories:
Social networking fanning London's flames?
Sony warehouse burns in London riots
RIM blog hacked in warning over London unrest

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