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Online speech laws in England

Debate over the balance between free expression and protection from harm in online speech in England, with recent high-profile arrests triggering a national debate

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Jan 17, 2026
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How many arrests for online communication offences in England lead to charges being filed?

Recent reporting indicates thousands of arrests in England under communications offences, but only a small fraction proceed to prosecution and even fewer to conviction: Freedom House and media analysi...

Jan 25, 2026

What are the specific laws in England regarding online hate speech?

does not rely on a single "hate speech" statute but on a patchwork of criminal offences and regulatory duties that make certain online expressions illegal when they cross defined thresholds — for exam...