Internet trolls who create derogatory hashtags or post humiliating photoshopped images could face jail, the country's most senior prosecutor has warned.
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."
Other examples of outlawed practices set out in the guidance include publishing an individual's home address or bank details on the internet, dubbed doxxing.
Baiting - when someone is humiliated online by being branded sexually promiscuous - is also mentioned in the guidance, as is posting "disturbing or sinister" photoshopped images of someone on a social media site.
Ridiculous... If people make legitimate threats, the police should investigate. But to criminalise 'bullying' when the 'victim' has every opportunity to ignore, block or leave, this just seems to be to be a limit on freedom of speech.
let's bounce, ladies
Ridiculous... If people make legitimate threats, the police should investigate. But to criminalise 'bullying' when the 'victim' has every opportunity to ignore, block or leave, this just seems to be to be a limit on freedom of speech.
