2 days ago
Police unit to monitor social media for anti-migrant posts in bid to stop riots
An elite police unit, the National Internet Intelligence Investigations team, is being formed to monitor social media for anti-migrant posts and early signs of civil unrest.
Operating from the National Police Coordination Centre in Westminster, the unit will comprise officers from forces across England and Wales.
The initiative aims to provide national support for local police commanders in responding to online threats, following last year's riots and the spread of protests outside asylum hotels.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson confirmed the unit's establishment, acting on recommendations for a nationally coordinated social media monitoring capability.
Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, have labelled the plan as "disturbing" and a free-speech infringement, accusing the government of prioritising surveillance over frontline policing.
