Britain to Throw Internet Trolls in Prison

No one likes a troll. Check out some of the comments on this site from fervent Trump supporters and you will see why. But just because people try to get on our nerves is no reason to throw them in jail. From Britain:

Internet trolls who create derogatory hashtags or post humiliating photoshopped images could face jail, the country’s most senior prosecutor has warned.

The Crown Prosecution Service has published new guidance to help police determine whether to press charges against someone for their behaviour on social media.

Like most assaults on fundamental liberties these days, the authorities are spinning this in terms of political correctness:

It comes after a major report found one in four teenagers suffered abuse online because of their gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or transgender identity.

One in four? I’m surprised it isn’t five in four. People who issue reports find what the government pays them to find.

Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said: “Social media can be used to educate, entertain and enlighten, but there are also people who use it to bully, intimidate and harass.

“Ignorance is not a defence and perceived anonymity is not an escape. Those who commit these acts, or encourage others to do the same, can and will be prosecuted.”

Creating a hashtag to encourage an online harassment campaign, or pushing for retweets of a “grossly offensive message” are given as examples of unacceptable behaviour.

“Grossly offensive” means “disapproved of by authorities.”

Policing content is the role of website owners, not Big Government. Otherwise the Internet will be reduced from a vibrant marketplace of ideas to a bowl of officially sanctioned lukewarm oatmeal.

On a tip from Stormfax.