Steve Baker MP uses Arwen to enhance freedom of speech

Steve Baker, the Conservative MP for Wycombe, has announced he's using Arwen to protect himself and his community from the negative impact of a small but significantly toxic online community.

"There are a small minority of people whose engagement with MPs descends into abuse, sexual threats, and threats of violence including to kill. It should be uncontroversial to state that no one should have to put up with that in their life, including MPs.

Arwen’s software will scan the posts of those who comment and almost instantly remove any posts that are threatening or abusive. The use of this software will not affect the vast majority of the public who engage with me in a civil, constructive and often passionate way. But if you are abusive or threatening, your comments will be automatically hidden or deleted and you will be blocked, constituent or not.

According to Arwen’s statistics, abusive content makes up just 3-5% of the total on social media, yet it drives a huge 37% people out of the conversation. People stop posting openly because they fear being jumped on and abused by others.

I believe in free speech but not threats, abuse or incivility. Legitimate public debate needs cleaning up in this country and across the world. I am glad to help begin the process."

Read more here.