Cartoons Internet censorship in the United Kingdom

section 1 of malicious communications act 1988 criminalises sending article indecent or grossly offensive intent cause distress or anxiety (which has been used prohibit speech of racist or anti-religious nature).

section 127 of communications act 2003 makes offence send message grossly offensive or of indecent, obscene or menacing character on public electronic communications network. section replaced section 43 of telecommunications act 1984 , drafted predecessor. section has controversially been used prosecute users of social media. on 19 december 2012, strike balance between freedom of speech , criminality, director of public prosecutions issued interim guidelines, clarifying when social messaging eligible criminal prosecution under uk law. revisions interim guidelines issued on 20 june 2013 following public consultation.