This important report further shines a light on the extent of online abuse of elected politicians, and the impact this is having on our democratic processes.
Responding to a report by the Speakers Conference into the online safety of MP's, Cllr Matt Boughton, Chair of the LGA Stronger and Safer Communities Committee said:
“Being at the receiving end of online abuse, intimidation and harassment has become a part of life for too many elected politicians and candidates. Increasingly, this is the case at every level of political life. The LGA’s research has found that nearly two-thirds of councillors have experienced abuse online and that the experience is causing many people to reconsider whether to stand for election or re-election.
“This important report further shines a light on the extent of online abuse of elected politicians, and the impact this is having on our democratic processes. Too many councillors and candidates, faced with online abuse, have found the major social media platforms to be unresponsive, uninterested or slow to react, even in severe cases. This needs to change, and we support the Conference’s call for consistency and speed in dealing with illegal and inciteful content targeting public figures.”
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