Government teams up with Facebook

Cameron's government is taking another stab at social media

The government has announced a joint initiative with Facebook in which the social networking site will be used to solicit ideas on proposed spending cuts.

Downing Street hopes to engage with the 26 million UK users of Facebook through the Democracy UK Facebook page.

Democracy UK became popular during the general election campaign, and Facebook claimed that one million users participated in its election day polls.

The page will provide a link to the Treasury's Spending Challenge site where citizens can post comments and ideas on how to "reduce the deficit by cutting public spending in a way that is fair and responsible".

Site users must first register with their name, email address and postcode, which suggests that the government may be looking to glean any geographic trends from the most popular postings.

"We are really excited about having Facebook involved in The Spending Challenge," said Prime Minister David Cameron.

"There's enormous civic spirit in this country where people want to take control and do things in a different way. We are giving people an opportunity with Facebook, and I am sure that they will take it."

Joanna Shields, vice president for EMEA at Facebook, claimed that the social networking site is one of the most cost effective ways for organisations to " deliver messages straight to your audience".

"This is relevant for anyone who wants to engage with the Facebook audience from government and public figures right through to global brands and local businesses."

However, the success of the government's latest foray into social media remains to be seen.

A similar scheme called 'Your Freedom' launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg earlier this month asked citizens to suggest which "pointless rules" it would abolish.

The site crashed within hours of launching as people proposed the legalisation of drugs, murder and marrying horses.