UK government departments monitored critics on social media

Summary: Fifteen UK government departments have been monitoring social media activity to compile "secret files" on critics, blocking them from speaking at public events. The practice was uncovered by human rights experts and has led to legal action. The guidelines advise checking experts' social media and conducting Google searches using specific terms. The government has withdrawn the guidelines pending a review. Critics argue the practice is unlawful and dangerous, breaching data protection and human rights legislation.

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