Government spokeswoman Baroness Browning has announced that the government is not seeking additional powers to close down social media networks during periods of civil unrest.
Following the riots in England, Lady Browning said Home Secretary Theresa May held a constructive meeting with police leaders and representatives of the social media industry.
Companies had made clear their commitment to "removing illegal content and when appropriate closing accounts" after suggestions that social media were used to organise the trouble.
Lib Dem peer Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer said a balance had to be struck between catching those using social media for illegal reasons and a "wholesale surveillance operation", which was unacceptable.
Lady Browning said she could reassure her that the police and investigatory agencies were required to comply with legislation aiming to strike that balance.
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