Good, Now Make It Off-line, Too

THURSDAY 20 JUNE 2013

Internet trolls will [sic] escape prosecution if they apologise, say new guidelines released today

"'High threshold' placed on Twitter and Facebook comments before prosecution

New guidelines for social media will ensure that Twitter and Facebook users who post offensive messages online must pass a “high threshold” before facing prosecution, and could avoid prosecution altogether by apologising.

Keir Starmer QC, Director of Public Prosecutions has published guidelines for prosecutors who are taking on cases involving communications sent via social media.

The guidelines are being implemented to address the “potential chilling effect” that the high number of prosecutions in cases where a communication might be considered grossly offensive, said Mr Starmer.

Social media ‘trolls’ have become an online phenomenon, and usually post offensive, upsetting and inflammatory comments on networks such as Twitter and Facebook, where their posts may be seen publicly.

Now, under the new guidelines, prosecutions could be rendered unnecessary if the person who has posted the offensive post “has expressed genuine remorse” or has taken “swift and effective action” to “remove the communication in question or otherwise block access to it”. A prosecution could also be avoided if the communication “was not intended for a wide audience, nor was the obvious consequence of sending the communication”"

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/internet-trolls-will-escape-prosecution-if-they-apologise-say-new-guidelines-released-today-8666488.html

Top prosecutor warns troll-hunting cops not to choke courts

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/13/keir_starmer_warns_against_millions_of_trolling_offences/

Offensive, iconoclastic internet trolls will NOT be prosecuted, says DPP

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/06/20/cps_issues_final_social_media_guidelines_for_prosecutors/

Remorseful Twitter and Facebook jokers less likely to face prosecution

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/dec/19/twitter-facebook-jokers-prosecution

Crown Prosecution Will Avoid Dealing With Internet Trolls

http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/news/crown-prosecution-social-media-102370