The sex offender register
The sex offender register - Guide..link
Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.
The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime.
Digital crime, once a fringe concern, has now emerged as a significant threat to public safety and democratic integrity. The Law Commission has urged a comprehensive review of legislation governing online abuse, harassment, and harmful communications. With the Prime Minister's stark warning that digital crime now jeopardises our democratic processes, the need for immediate reform is unmistakable.
Legal Gaps in Online Abuse
Current laws—such as the Communications Act 2003—struggle to address the scale and complexity of online harm. Authorities are forced to interpret vague terms like “indecency” or “grossly offensive”, leaving victims without clear protection. The digital world has outpaced the legal framework meant to regulate it.
Social Media and Accountability
Social media platforms have become arenas for both empowerment and abuse. While they offer unprecedented reach, they also enable anonymous harassment on a large scale. A recent example involved Diane Abbott MP, who received half of all abusive tweets directed at female MPs during the general election campaign.
The Law Commission reports that online abuse contributes to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Shame
- Isolation
Yet platforms often shield abusers rather than victims, citing foreign jurisdiction and technical limitations.
The Psychological Toll
Cases of “pile-on” harassment—where one insult triggers hundreds more—highlight the unique psychological damage of online abuse. Unlike isolated comments, coordinated attacks amplify distress and leave lasting emotional scars.
Jurisdictional Challenges
Many platforms operate under U.S. law, making it difficult for UK authorities to obtain user data or enforce domestic protections. This slow, costly, and often ineffective process underscores the urgent need for platforms to comply with UK law or face restricted access.
The Need for Reform
It's imperative that online abuse be treated with the same gravity as offline abuse. The current legal landscape mirrors the under-policing and under-recognition of domestic violence in the 1970s and ’80s. Without reform, digital crime will continue to escalate unchecked, underscoring the urgent need for change.
Conclusion
The digital world is the new frontier—but without a sheriff. Lawmakers, regulators, and platforms must act decisively to protect users and restore accountability. If reforms fall short or arrive too late, we risk codifying outdated protections in a rapidly evolving landscape.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkAppointing a Solicitor
Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...link
Domestic Violence Guide
Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkClare`s Law - Domestic Violence.
The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could..link
law on legal highs to be reviewed
The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...link
Dangerous Driving.
You may have witnessed people driving, 'dangerously' or you may have been stopped for dangerous driving, but are you aware that there are other charges that fal..link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkMental Health - Your rights at work
If you have a mental health problem, it’s important that you are not treated unfairly at work, you have rights and you and your employer should be aware of them..link
Computer & IT Law
Computer and IT Law.
Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain..link
Handling Stolen Goods
What is meant by 'handling stolen goods'...link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link