- 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.
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