TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Despite London’s claims about supporting freedom of expression, the British police have arrested three internet users as part of a broader clampdown on social networking sites under security excuses.

 

Police are continuing to arrest members of the public accused of using social networking sites such as Facebook to instigate riots.
Cheshire Police confirmed that it has arrested and charged three men for posting notices on social sites attempting to incite disorder, media reports said.
“The arrests follow a robust approach by Cheshire Police to any individuals suspected of promoting criminality via social networking sites,” the force said.
“As part of the approach a number of young people have received police advice in the presence of their parents around postings on their social networking sites or messages forwarded via social media.”
Essex Police, meanwhile, has charged an 18 year-old woman with encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence under the Serious Crime Act 2007 by sending a message via BlackBerry encouraging others to take part in violent disorder.
Jason O’Hagan, 19, was also charged with intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of an offence by posting a message on Facebook.
The disorder even spread as far as Guernsey, where police have charged three men for attempting to incite violence on social sites.
“Guernsey Police can confirm that three men have been charged with offences contrary to the telecommunications law in respect of the abuse of a social networking site,” inspector Trevor Coleman told V3.
Meantime, V3 has also learned that the number of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act requests being made to mobile operators for information on suspects has rocketed in the past few days.
Earlier, Britain’s Prime Minister threatened to block access to social networking websites following the outbreak of social unrests in the country, London in particular.
Cameron addressed a statement to the parliament on Thursday, warning to unleash a clampdown on the web-based social outfits, including Facebook, Twitter and Research in Motion, the producer of BlackBerry devices.
He said the government would consider applying the ban against the people, who are suspected of ‘inciting violence online.’
Cameron’s threat, meanwhile, defied the White Hall’s claim to being an advocate of human rights and freedom of expression.