UK planning draconian powers to shut phone messaging and social networks in times of civil disorder
UK planning draconian powers to shut phone messaging and social networks in times of civil disorder --Cameron's law: PM planning crackdown on rioters --Police to have power to shut down social networks, remove hoodies and facial coverings, while looters could lose homes and benefits 12 Aug 2011 Ministers and the security services are planning draconian powers to shut down or disrupt mobile phone messaging services and social networks in times of civil disorder. Downing Street sources said they were considering the "moral and technical" questions of how to grant new powers blocking all mobile communications to prevent rioters organising through websites such as Twitter and the BlackBerry Messenger service. Mr Cameron, promising yesterday to do "whatever it takes" to restore order, outlined a series of new security measures, which included: Consider further powers of curfew. Investigate using the Army to free up police for "frontline" duties. Give individual police officers the power to force people to remove scarves, hoods or masks covering their faces or be arrested... The Government will also consult former New York Police commissioner Bill Bratton on further measures to tackle gang [?!?] culture.
Aug. 12, 2011