UK's Home Office backs away from social network blocking after riots

The British government appears to have shelved plans to block rioting teens from using Facebook and Twitter or even shutting down Research in Motion’s BlackBerry Messenger network during times of crisis, in response to this month’s violent disorder. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth at the idea, Thursday’s meeting between the three technology companies and the Home Secretary passed calmly and without incident. Any reference to blocking or restricting use of Facebook, Twitter and BBM was put aside at the very beginning of the meeting, which has been described as “constructive” by both politicians and tech companies.