Should the UK government regulate online criticism of public figures?
The UK government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham is updating the Online Safety Act to criminalise doxxing and pushing Ofcom for faster enforcement against online abuse of politicians and public figures, especially ahead of elections. Platforms must already remove illegal threats and incitement, with additional duties for content harmful to children and user tools to limit exposure to abuse. Recent reports show rising abuse against MPs and volunteers alongside concerns that the Act chills legitimate political criticism and free expression.
6 Opinions
It's almost like public figures should expect to be in the public. Doxxing, as the news says, is inappropriate, but you should be able to be openly hostile to politicians you disagree with as long as you're not threatening violence.
You put yourself in the window, expect to be judged
Direct threats and stalking are already criminal offences under existing law... Let's just keep it at that shall we? Making MPs et al (who appear to be the ones deemed 'public figures' in this scenario) a protected endangered species exempt from public fury completely inverts democracy. If you can't stomach angry constituents, don't run for the constituency and then complain someone is being mean on the internet. Boo hoo.
It should not be a crime to criticise somebody, or state your opinion. Freedom of speech should be more protected. There should be some protections in place if someone gets doxxed or harassed, but freedoms should not be put at risk due to someone else being offended by opinions.
Criminalise acts of criminality and then, you know, arrest and sentence the criminals. Politicians don’t need special exemptions in a democracy. Now, if we’re considering an alternative political system, then we can talk. . . .
If it looks like a censorship, sounds like a censorship and reeks like a censorship - it must be a censorship.