[MichaelGG]

Sure, but political activists also start riots. Just because they are activists doesn't mean they aren't doing "bad" things (violence). There's huge demand from even local LE across the world to turn online postings into some form of intelligence for them.

I agree that it'll mostly be abused by government, but knowing what people are planning can be helpful. Right now there are groups of people coordinating a street battle in Berkeley over social media. Giving local police insight into the groups is almost certainly a benefit, assuming the police act to keep the peace.

[GordonS]

So the privacy and rights of many should be violated because of the actions of a tiny minority?

I'd argue that any minute amount of good that comes from this is by far and away out balanced by the abuse of those with access (and in the UK there is a tendency for creeping escalation with such powers) and the violation of privacy of innocent people.

[DanBC]

Sure, but the correct government response is to use RIPA and warrants, not just to demand that social media companies grant total access to everything.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/23/contents

[ionised]

> assuming the police act to keep the peace.

They act to maintain the status quo.