In the UK, the government have arrested several individuals
who had posted statements that “go beyond the threshold of expression” against
individuals or beliefs. While many cried foul against the arrests, prosecutors
and the government explain that everyone has a right to express themselves
online and be obscene with their expressions, but there is a boundary line as
indicated by the following parameters.
1.
Distinction
Given the obscene and uncensored communications found online
in forums, discussion boards and social media, the UK’s guidelines of
distinction must show that the statement targets the harassment of an
individual, is a credible threat of violence,
breaches court orders regarding confidential statements in all formats
of Internet media.
2.
Stalking and Harassment
Any evidence or statements that imply stalking on part of a
potential suspect, including hacking and manipulation of personal social media
accounts is a social media and Internet criminal offense. Harassment in the
form of rallying communities against certain individuals, groups, organisations
or companies are also considered an offense.
3.
Freedom of Expression and Criminal Law
Offensive posts, whether they are shocking, rude, satirical,
iconoclastic, an unpopular discussion of delicate topics, are subject to public
scrutiny and if the public deems it to be an offensive case, the government
could arrest the individual, group, organisation or company who posted such
media. However, if such entities showed remorse upon posting the statement,
criminal charges from the authorities are less likely.
