A poll of 973 adults, carried out by online security firm, Unisys has concluded that 70% supported pulling the plug of Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), while only about 27% disagreed during times of riots and uncertainty.

This majority also agree that the Government should have access to data on social network users to prevent the occurrences of coordinated crime. It must be noted however that it was mostly the over-65s who opted for action against social media whilst the heaviest users, 18 to 24-year-olds were generally against it.

The fact that a majority support pulling the plug on Social Media during times of crises as there is evidence that most people were using Social Media to ensure that their friends and peers were safe and also to keep track of what was going on during the unrest. It is also evident from the speed at which Police were able to pinpoint riot locations based on Social Media and minimise damages.