UK, social media firms discuss ways to stop violent coordination

Police and political leaders contend youths used social media to coordinate looting sprees. Prime Minister David Cameron has said police and intelligence agents would look at whether there should be limits on the use of social media sites or services like BlackBerry Messenger, which is simple and largely cost-free, in times of disorder.

Civil libertarians have reacted with alarm to suggestions the services could be shut down.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Liberty, wrote an open letter to the government before the meeting with executives of Facebook, Twitter, and BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd.

The letter said “new measures, made in good faith but in a heated political environment, will overextend powers in ways that would be susceptible to abuse; restrict legitimate, free communication; and expression; and undermine people’s privacy.’’

A Home Office spokeswoman said before the meeting that there was “no suggestion’’ the sites would be closed down.

Afterwards, the government 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 behavior.’’

“The government did not seek any additional powers to close down social media networks,’’ a Home Office spokesman said on condition of anonymity in line with government policy.

Research In Motion called the meeting “positive and productive,’’ saying the company was “pleased to consult on the use of social media to engage and communicate during times of emergency.’’

Facebook said it already took down threats of violence and other offending material and was working on speeding the process.

“We look forward to meeting with the home secretary to explain the measures we have been taking to ensure that Facebook is a safe and positive platform for people in the UK at this challenging time,’’ the company said in a statement.