New UK Law Could See Trolls Jailed for Causing ‘Psychological Harm’, Disinfo, Ratioing

Twitter trolls and purveyors of “disinformation” will potentially face jail time in the UK under a series of anti-free speech measures set to be implemented by the Conservative Party-run government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Free speech on the internet will further be curtailed by new proposals set out in the long-dreaded Online Safety Bill, with alleged trolls facing as much as two years in prison for online posts.

Offences added to the legislation will include “pile-ons” in which users band together to troll someone on social media, according to The Times — potentially criminalising ratioing.

Mocking the proposed restrictions, columnist Madeline Grant said: “I feel personally victimised by this bafflingly stupid idea. Can whoever suggested it please be jailed, thanks.”

Based on recommendations from the Law Commission, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) will push for the criminalisation of posts that are “likely [to cause] psychological harm”.

The change in the law would see the emphasis placed on the “harmful effect” of a message, in contrast to the current standard of which criminalises “indecent” or “grossly offensive” material. – READ MORE