The government is considering banning suspected rioters from using social media websites, in an attempt to curb the organisation of violent action the likes of which has dominated the public consciousness in recent days.

The Prime Minister told parliament that the government is looking at how possible such a move would be. Meanwhile, the home secretary Theresa May is to meet with representatives of Facebook, Twitter and Research In Motion (the company behind the Blackberry phone, and the BBM private messaging service) to discuss their responsibilities within these circumstances.

“Everyone watching these horrific actions will be struck by how they were organised via social media,” Cameron said. “Free flow of information can be used for good. But it can also be used for ill.

“And when people are using social media for violence we need to stop them. So we are 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 when we know they are plotting violence, disorder and criminality.”

Unsurprisingly, there has been a negative reaction from Twitter users, many of which point out how it was the same social media services that were essential in checking relatives and friends were safe during the riots, and also key in organising clean up action following the violent outbursts throughout London and Manchester.

Former deputy Labour leader John Prescott has been using his Twitter presence to share the views of those defending social media websites. Some highlights include:

(Source: MediaGuardian)

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