Campaigners have expressed concern that the UK government's National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT), formerly known as the Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU), is being used in response to the riots despite unresolved questions about whether or not it is fit for purpose. According to The Telegraph, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, had requested NSOIT monitor online discussions related to the deaths of three children in Southport and the subsequent rioting. The move comes just months after calls for an independent review of NSOIT's activities.
In a statement responding to the news, Silkie Carlo, director of the digital rights group Big Brother Watch (BBW) said: "There are serious questions as to whether NSOIT is fit for this task, given its chilling track record of monitoring the lawful and accurate speech of journalists, scientists, parliamentarians, human rights advocates and members of the public during the pandemic when they rightly questioned the government's pandemic management.
"It's worrying to see NSOIT brought into action shortly after its controversial activities were exposed, and before it has been subject to the important independent review the culture committee called for."
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