FACEBOOK, RIM SCHEDULED TO MEET UK OFFICIALS OVER PROPOSED SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

Facebook and Blackberry maker Research in Motion (RIM) are scheduled to meet with Home Secretary Theresa May and other UK officials in connection with the investigation conducted by the government about the recent riots in London. 

Twitter, which is one of the social media used by rioters said in its statement, "We are not joining the talks, but we are happy to listen."

Facebook in its statement said, "We look forward to meeting with the Home Secretary to explain the measures we have been taking to ensure that Facebook is a safe and positive platform in the UK at this challenging time."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron, on Thursday, alarmed free speech activists when he told Parliament that the government is examining whether it is possible to prevent suspected criminals from sending messages via social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

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, Cameron told the House of Commons. 

The investigation, which has been outlined in pretty vague terms, has incited criticism from the media and free speech alike.