Social media and government shutdown talks were constructive

TALKS HELD YESTERDAY by the UK government about the future of social networking and communications during times of social unrest went well, according to all parties.

Firms, including RIM, Twitter and Facebook, were invited to go and discuss a number of things with the government and by their accounts the bothersome business of trampling on human rights and smashing down communications channels did not come up at all. Well, no more than usual, we guess.

According to Facebook the meeting, which took place at the Home Office with Theresa May, was "constructive", probably because it gave it a chance to show how closely allied with law enforcement it already is.

"We found today's discussion at the Home Office constructive and built on much of the work we are already doing with the UK authorities to ensure Facebook remains one of the safest places on the internet. 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," said the firm in a statement.

"We were pleased to highlight our array of effective reporting tools and the relationships we have built with Law Enforcement to keep the site safe for the 30 million people in the UK use Facebook - especially during times of crisis.  There is no place for illegal activity on Facebook and we take firm action against those who breach our rules."

The Home Office concurred, and also used the "constructive" talks line. In a statement a spokesman said that the Association of Police Officers (ACPO) also attended and the ACPO said that it found the meeting constructive as well.

"The Home Secretary, along with the Culture Secretary and Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, has held a constructive meeting with ACPO, the police and representatives from the social media industry," the ACPO said.

"The discussions looked at how law enforcement and the networks can build on the existing relationships and cooperation to crack down on the networks being used for criminal behaviour."

A number of people have already been in court for using the social networks to incite or encourage bad behaviour during the riots and looting in London earlier this month. µ