Context
In the wake of four days of chaos in Britain that saw 1,200 alleged arsonists and looters sweeping off the streets, the UK is considering an extraordinary plan to intervene in the private communication of its residents. The announcement came after the government concluded that the social media, including Twitter and BlackBerry Messenger, is undermining the country’s vibrant democracy. The plan attracted immediate criticism from Britain’s social media community, which described it as an attack on freedom of expression. However, Prime Minister David Cameron has made it clear that allowing the circulation of violent speech was a bigger threat.
