Facebook, Twitter and Blackberry messenger were among those discussing cooperation with law enforcement agencies in situations where networks are being used for criminal behaviour.
A Home Office spokesperson explained: ‘The Home Secretary, along with the Culture Secretary and Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, has held a constructive meeting with ACPO, the police and representatives from the social media industry.
‘The discussions looked at how law enforcement and the networks can build on the existing relationships and cooperation to crack down on the networks being used for criminal behaviour.’
Coordinating criminality
Today’s meeting follows evidence that social networking sites and messaging services were used to coordinate criminality during the English riots earlier this month.
The Home Secretary explained her intention to meet with social media representatives during a speech in Parliament on 11 August.
She told MPs: ‘I will convene a meeting with the Association of Chief Police Officers, police and representatives from the social media industry to work out how we can improve the technological and related legal capabilities of the police.’