In the UK, a concerning trend has emerged as thousands of individuals face detention and interrogation over their online expressions, deemed offensive or threatening by authorities, as reported by The Times. Astonishingly, around 12,000 arrests occur annually under the Communications Act 2003 and the Malicious Communications Act 1988, which criminalize causing distress through messages considered "grossly offensive" or sharing content of an "indecent, obscene, or menacing character" via electronic networks.

In 2023, there were 12,183 arrests from 37 police forces, a staggering 58% rise from 2019 figures. Despite the increase in arrests, government reports indicate convictions and sentencing have halved, often du e to "evidential difficulties" and victims' reluctance to pursue cases.

This rise in enforcement has sparked a significant public outcry, with civil liberties groups accusing authorities of excessive online policing and jeopardising free speech through ambiguous laws. A striking example involved Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, who were arrested after expressing concerns in a parents' WhatsApp group. Their arrest, marked by a heavy police presence and prolonged detention, highlighted the perceived overreach of these laws, as Allen described the experience as akin to living in a police state, despite the absence of offensive language in their communication.

- CyberBeat