MP to meet Twitter to discuss anonymous online abuse

Carla Lockhart MP • January 10, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is to meet senior Twitter representatives this week to discuss how the platform dealswith anonymous abuse on their platform. The local MP requested the meeting following the horrific abuse of Diane Dodds MLA over the festive period. Mrs. Dodds will also attend the meeting.

Carla Lockhart said:

“The widespread revulsion and condemnation of the comments directed to my colleague Diane Dodds reflected the deep dissatisfaction of so many people with the inaction of social media companies to protect users from anonymous abuse.

It is important that these words are turned into action. It cannot be the case that this incident does not provoke meaningful steps from social media companies to protect users.

I have secured a meeting with senior Twitter representatives this week to discuss this incident, to express concern at their response to what happened, and to determine what they intend to do to step up their protection of users.

I firmly believe a verification process for all account holders should be provided, and that those who refuse to verify should be unable to interact with verified users. This can be done relatively easily – it is done on a daily basis to access a range of online services. I will be exploring this with Twitter to see if they would be willing to introduce this safeguard.”

< Older Post

Newer Post >

MP appeals for vigilance as Bluetongue threat increases

By Carla Lockhart MP • July 1, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is appealing to livestock farmers in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant as the threat from Bluetongue disease increases.

Lockhart tables Early Day Motion to challenge damaging EU red tape on NI machinery trade

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 26, 2025

Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

USED AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY EQUIPMENT SUBJECT TO EU RULES WHEN COMING FROM GB TO NI

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 25, 2025

Upper Bann MP and DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has strongly condemned the Government’s decision to impose “unnecessary, disruptive, and costly” EU requirements on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

MP outlines industry concerns at Defend Our Farms meeting

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 25, 2025

Industry issues including NAP, bovine TB, inheritance tax and climate change were top of the agenda for MP Carla Lockhart, when she addressed this week’s ‘Defend Our Farms’ meeting in Fivemiletown.

Carla Lockhart calls out ‘climate extremism’ in wake of A5 ruling

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 25, 2025

Following the recent court ruling on the A5 road upgrade, Carla Lockhart MP has expressed serious concerns about the growing influence of radical green ideology on infrastructure development in Northern Ireland.