Ministers back down over Facebook blackout for trouble-makers - Telegraph.co.uk

Prime Minister David Cameron said after the riots the Government was looking at how to stop the internet being a tool to organise violence.

The Government was "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", he said.

At the opening of the meeting on Thursday at the Home Office, Mrs May made it clear that the Government had decided not to seek new powers over social networks during emergencies.

Instead, the discussions looked at how law enforcement can more effectively monitor the networks for criminal material and have it removed under existing arrangements.

A Home Office spokesman said afterwards: "The Government did not seek any additional powers to close down social media networks."

On a visit to the North of England, Mr Clegg said: "I'll tell you what is not going to happen – there is not going to be a Chinese or Iranian-style black-out of social media.

"And let's not forget that during the riots, social media was very helpful to lots of people in finding out what was going on and in bringing communities together."

A spokesman for Research In Motion (RIM), which makes BlackBerry, the meeting had been "positive and productive".

She added: "We were pleased to consult on the use of social media to engage and communicate during times of emergency.

"RIM continues to maintain an open and positive dialogue with the UK authorities and continues to operate within the context of UK regulations."

A Facebook spokesman said: "There is no place for illegal activity on Facebook and we take firm action against those who breach our rules."