Science & Tech
Emily Shackleton
Jan 14, 2015
David Cameron once famously declared that "too many twits might make a twat" but nevertheless eventually caved and joined Twitter.
Here are eight other times when the prime minister demonstrated a lack of understanding about just how The Internet works.
1. When he threatened to ban Snapchat and WhatsApp
Encrypted messaging services such as Snapchat and Whatsapp could be under threat if a Tory government is elected this year. As part of Cameron's plans for new surveillance powers, he said that he would ban services that do not allow security services to read messages even with a warrant.
2. When he introduced ineffective porn filters
In 2013, Cameron pledged to protect children from pornography by compelling internet service providers to automatically block adult material, requiring users to opt in for such content. However, the effectiveness of these filters had been doubted since indecent images can still be easily access via Google, and the filters can block websites that do not have any pornographic material, such as BT blocking access to a domestic abuse charity.
3. When he introduced controversial porn laws
Cameron's government has brought in new laws banning certain sex acts, including spanking, bondage and female ejaculation, from British pornographic film. Hundreds of people protested with a ‘mass face-sitting’ outside Westminster, branding the laws “misogynistic” and “ridiculous”.
4. When he vowed to make children illegal
In announcing that he would ban child abuse manuals, Cameron accidentally seemed to declare a commitment to making children themselves illegal.
5. When he mistakenly linked to a Iain Duncan Smith’s spoof account
While announcing a new pensions cap from Iain Duncan Smith, Cameron's Twitter page mentioned the parody account of the work and pensions secretary by mistake. It's pretty obviously not the real deal.
6. When he favourited an offensive tweet
Another Twitter fail from the prime minister's account when, after the Nairobi terror attack in 2013, it favourited a message from an account with an offensive username and image of Lord Tebbit in the aftermath of the Brighton bombing.
7. When he paid for Facebook fans
Conservative strategists had to resort to 'buying likes' for Cameron's official Facebook page. Thousands in party funds were spent on Facebook adverts to boost his page.
8. When he unwittingly became a global meme
Cameron exposed himself to worldwide ridicule when a staged-looking image emerged of him on the phone to US president Barack Obama. Patrick Stewart and Rob Delaney led the charge as thousands of people recreated the photo.
More: [Don't panic, Twitter - or David Cameron - is not blocking #CameronMustGo]6
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