Keir Starmer QC
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Keir Starmer interview on new rules on social media abuse

People are being fined and even jailed for comments they have made on social media sites.

Last month, Keir Starmer QC, the most senior prosecutor in England and Wales, announced plans to issue new social media rules on abuse.

He said he was worried about the "chilling effect on free speech", should there be a lot of prosecutions.

Under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 it is an offence to send electronic messages, including on social media websites, that are "grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character".

Eddie Mair reports.

  • 11 Oct 2012