Commentary
Free speech is under threat in Britain. Individuals have been arrested and charged for social media posts. The concepts of “malicious communication” and “public order” (in legislation designed to address civil unrest) have been broadly interpreted by police—and the Communications Act allows for charges of posting “grossly offensive” material, a category that is very much in the eye of the beholder. The result has been prosecutions for commentary that, whether obnoxious or disgusting, should be permitted in a liberal society that believes in free expression.
