No matter what you think about the phrase “Web 2.0”, there is no doubt that the ability to self publish and utilise 3rd party platforms has radically changed the way individuals and organisations communicate.

The Times Square attempted bombing again highlights that Social Media is an important element in dealing with terrorists/criminal threats. The question is how responsible should these networks/platforms be in terms of both the content published on their platforms and in providing information about their users to law enforcement bodies? In non new media platforms – say broadcasting, there is an accepted responsibility to the general public. Information sharing with law enforcement in the context of possible threats is almost a given. In the past broadcasting channels have even been used as a recognised part of the communication of dissident groups with security organisations e.g. IRA bomb warnings and BBC.

Social Media puts a different complexion on things. Are platforms such as You Tube responsible for the content that is published by users on their domain? How much judgement do these organisations need to exercise and when should they alert or give information to security concerns? It’s the flip side to the privacy debate which got a whimper of Media coverage with the passing of the UK’s Digital Bill last month.

We’re in unchartered territory but what is clear is that if platforms afford parties with terrorist inclinations the ability to motivate, galvanise support and communicate, then law enforcement and security agencies somehow need to get access to any information which can protect the public.