Police to Monitor Social Media for Anti-Migrant Posts Amidst Protests

A specialized team of detectives is being established to monitor social media activity for posts that express anti-migrant sentiments. This unit, known as the National Internet Intelligence Investigations team, will be based at the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) in Westminster. It will comprise officers from various police forces across England and Wales.

The primary objective of this unit is to identify early indicators of potential civil unrest and to maximize the utilization of social media intelligence. This initiative follows the exposure of deficiencies in police planning during last year's riots. Home Office ministers assert that the team will provide local commanders with national support in identifying and responding to online threats.

This development coincides with the spread of protests outside asylum hotels throughout the country. Demonstrations took place in several cities, with further protests planned. Labour's deputy leader cautioned the cabinet, emphasizing the need to address public concerns about immigration to prevent disorder.

Critics have voiced concerns about the plan, labeling it as "disturbing" and expressing worries about potential infringements on free speech. The Shadow home secretary accused the government of attempting to control online expression, suggesting that this approach is a substitute for effective policing.

The NPoCC, which previously coordinated the national police response to Covid lockdowns under Operation Talla, will oversee the new unit. Details of the unit were disclosed in a letter to MPs from the policing minister, which was made public before the parliament's summer recess. The minister confirmed that the government was acting on recommendations from the Commons home affairs committee and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, both of which advocated for a nationally coordinated social media monitoring capability.

The new team is intended to provide a national capacity to monitor social media intelligence and advise on its use to inform local operational decision-making. This will assist forces in managing public safety threats and risks. Initial funding for the unit is allocated until 2026, with future support contingent on spending priorities.

A Home Office spokesperson stated that the new team will assist police forces in tracking real-time information and protecting communities from incidents and emergencies before they escalate. The government's plan includes restoring visible, neighborhood policing, with a focus on addressing public priorities such as reducing knife crime and violence against women, as well as tackling theft and anti-social behavior.