Would it be right to stop certain people using social media during times of civil disobedience, or would it be more effective to block everyone?
The UK Riots in August 2011 were said to be organised and co-ordinated through social media services e.g. Facebook and Twitter. During the riots, Cameron said 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”. However, there is the view that Social Media was used effectively during this time to control the riots, and local authorities with the help of the public helped keep everyone informed of locations the riots were happening, and other up to date information to keep people safe. Therefore in the future, if there was social disorder and social media was blocked; would it damage the safety of the public? Is there a way to differentiate between the people who use them sensibly and those who use them dangerously?
The concerns that Twitter was used to aid social disorder during the riots have resulted in the government wanting to control the use of social media, even to an extent of blocking them. Disturbances were reportedly planned through Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry Messenger services to target certain areas to loot. BlackBerry messenger was the most distinctive service used according to some as it cannot be read by authorities, therefore was more attractive to use for young people. So is it fair to block social networking sites during civil disobedience if other ways were used to organise and encourage mass rioting?
Twitter was used to prevent more crime in some opinions. People could follow areas where riots where happening so people could avoid the problem areas and maintain order. Local authorities also communicated more than ever to keep their citizens informed. The Twitter account '@riotcleanup' became very popular for post-riots events, they organised clean up groups with the help of thousands of followers. If they blocked social media, it would have many disadvantages for the public as this is becoming the future of communication. Is social media used more for more good then harm?
Some countries e.g. In the Middle East and China, have already blocked access to social media - Is this restricting freedom of expression?
What are your views on censorship and suppression of social media? Did you use Twitter to keep you updated during the riots? Should Social Media be blocked in the future to avoid disorder?
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This is certainly an interesting point. Social media certainly caused people to meet up and riot, but the cleanup operation was also set up via social media. I personally think, that during times of unrest, where social networking/media can cause further problems all social media platforms should be suspended. That includes twitter, and facebook. Even Blackberry Messenger could be suspeneded by blackberry themselves since they control it. Once everything has calmed down, turn them all back on so councils can then use them again to ask for help. So I believe a comprimise would be the best way forward, turn them off during times of unrest. Certainly don't block social networking/media for good.
ReplyDeleteSocial media also helped to keep the public informed though so they could be up to date and avoid targetted areas - If social media platforms were suspended during times of unrest, could it possibly cause even more chaos as local authorities are using social media for communication with citizens...
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