MP to meet Twitter to discuss anonymous online abuse
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.”
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