In-depth articles explaining UK speech laws in plain English. Covers the Communications Act, Public Order Act, Online Safety Act, defamation, hate speech, and more. Written for journalists, content creators, and anyone publishing in the UK.
9 July 2026
Grossly offensive means outrage, shock, or disgust. Indecent means sexual impropriety. Obscene means tending to deprave and corrupt. Menacing means conveying a threat. Only one needs to be satisfied.
Read Article9 July 2026
Unlike most criminal offences, incitement to racial hatred requires DPP consent before prosecution. That requirement is a deliberate constitutional safeguard — not a rubber stamp.
Read Article9 July 2026
Same words, different charge. The difference between the MCA 1988 and s.127 Communications Act 2003 is not the words — it is what the prosecution can prove about your state of mind. Purpose vs awareness. 2 years vs 6 months.
Read Article9 July 2026
Fines of up to 10% of global turnover. Court orders to block platforms entirely. Criminal liability for senior managers who obstruct investigations. OFCOM's enforcement toolkit is real — and it's already being used.
Read Article9 July 2026
Fines of up to 10 percent of global turnover. Court orders to block platforms. Criminal liability for senior managers. OFCOM enforcement is real and active.
Read Article