Since its fruition, the internet has proved a source for both good and bad. But as an entity that epitomises values of free speech, there is a wide avenue for actions to take place that would usually be constituted as crime. Of these, none is more infamous than internet trolling.
Internet trolling has evolved from adolescent heckling to a more sinister form of bullying, becoming more and more prevalent with the rise of social media. Over recent years, it has received increased media attention due to a series of high profile cases, such as the online abusing of Chloe Madeley, which have pushed the issue into the political spotlight.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling, has pledged to take a stand against what he called a “baying cyber-mob.”
He said: “Internet trolls are cowards who are poisoning our national life.”
The government has proposed changes to anti-cyber bullying laws through an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, which would quadruple the current prison sentence for severe cases of online bullying – increasing it from six months to a potential of two years. It would also mean that police are given more time to collect evidence for their prosecutions.
“No-one would permit such venom in person, so there should be no place for it on social media. That is why we are determined to quadruple the current six-month sentence.
“This is a law to combat cruelty – and marks our determination to take a stand against a baying cyber-mod. We must send out a clear message – if you troll, you risk being behind bars for two years.”
The Bill is currently going through Parliament and was debated in the House of Lords this week.