Facebook and Twitter were under pressure today to curb abuse of MPs and candidates during the general election .
Ministers will write to social media firms, including the two tech giants, urging them to draw up a “one-stop shop” so victims can report intimidation and harassment as the race for the December 12 ballot hots up.
The plan was outlined as Boris Johnson hosted Cabinet in No10.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said later: “Cabinet discussed the safeguards which will be in place during the campaign to protect all candidates from intimidation and abuse.
“Cabinet agreed that people who intimidate public figures should face the consequences of their actions.
“The freedom to hold respectful, vibrant and robust debate cannot be an excuse to cause harm, spread hatred or impose views upon others.”
The plan comes amid mounting fears about the tone of the general election campaign, which is yet to formally kick off.
Candidates from various parties have reported being targeted online by supporters of opposing parties and web trolls.
“Cabinet was clear that a line is crossed when disagreement mutates into intimidation, violence or abuse,” said Mr Johnson’s spokesman.
“The PM said he was grateful for the work that has been carried out by the police, the electoral authorities and others.
“Advice will be issued to all candidates standing in the general election through returning officers.
“Ministers are also writing to social media companies calling for action to prevent candidates being subjected to abuse online, and to encourage the companies to work together during the campaign.”
Downing Street said the letter would demand a “single, one-stop shop piece of advice for candidates in which they will set out what content breaches terms and conditions, where candidates can report it to, if they believe content maybe breaching terms and conditions, and what response candidates should expect from the social media companies”.
No10 called for the firms to “have an open and regular dialogue with the security , policing and electoral authorities throughout the campaign”.
