Categories
Law

Malicious Communications Act 1988

legislation

The Malicious Communications Act 1988 is a law in the United Kingdom that makes it illegal to send threatening, abusive, or offensive messages to others. The act was introduced in response to growing concerns about the rise of online harassment and abuse, and was designed to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to prosecute those who engage in such behaviour.

Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 makes it an offense to send a message that is “indecent or grossly offensive,” “threatening,” or “false” with the intent to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient. This includes messages sent through social media, text messages, emails, and other electronic communications.

Section 1A of the act was added in 2015, and makes it an offense to send a communication that is “grossly offensive” or “of an indecent, obscene or menacing character” with the intent to cause “distress or anxiety” to the recipient, or with the knowledge that it is likely to do so.

The act was also amended in 2020 and 2022.

The act also includes provisions that allow law enforcement to seize and search electronic devices, such as computers and smartphones, if they believe they contain evidence related to a malicious communications offense.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of social media and other online platforms to harass and abuse others.

The CPS publish guidance Social Media and other Electronic Communications

The Malicious Communications Act 1988 has been used to prosecute a number of high-profile cases, including the case of Isabella Sorley and John Nimmo, who were both sentenced to jail time in 2014 for sending abusive tweets to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado-Perez.

Critics of the act have argued that it is too broad and could be used to stifle free speech. They also argue that the act is often used to prosecute individuals for relatively minor offenses, such as sending offensive jokes or memes, rather than more serious cases of harassment and abuse.

Despite these criticisms, the act remains an important tool for law enforcement in the fight against online harassment and abuse. It sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and provides a legal framework for prosecuting those who engage in it.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of online harassment or abuse, it is important to report the incident to the police or to a trusted authority.

You can also find resources and support from organizations such as the National Stalking Helpline, the Cyber Helpline, and the Revenge Porn Helpline.

In conclusion, the Malicious Communications Act 1988 is a vital piece of legislation that helps to protect individuals from online harassment and abuse. While there are valid concerns about its potential impact on free speech, it remains an important tool for law enforcement in the fight against malicious communications.

The gov.uk website has various help and guidance on Crime, justice and the law.

Check out our related articles on Rule of Law, Open Justice, Is the Law Black and White ?, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, Contra Mundum, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

[post_title] was last updated on the 9th June 2026

By Dom Watts

Dom Watts founded the Ministry of Injustice in July 2021. Dom is an IT Professional with 30+ years experience in Tier 1 Banking, Government, Defence, Healthcare and Global Blue Chips. Dom has no legal training and is not a lawyer but has previously consulted for a Magic Circle Law Firm. You can find Dom on X or Google.

Dom Watts publishes the Ministry of Injustice as a citizen journalist. The journalism exemption is detailed in the Data protection and journalism code of practice published by the ICO and Section 124 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Section 2 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of truth. Section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of honest opinion. Section 4 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the defence of public interest. Section 8 of the Defamation Act 2013 sets out the single publication rule.

Section 4a of The Limitation Act 1980 defines the time limit for actions for defamation or malicious falsehood as one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.

Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression. "This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers."

"Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another." - Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

"Free speech is a fundamental common law right" - Para 21 R v Shayler [2002] UKHL 11 [2003] 1 AC 247 per Lord Bingham and Para 42 Phillips -v- Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2024] EWHC 32 (Admin)

Dom is a member of The Free Speech Union

“A key issue here is the need to distinguish between conduct which, however objectionable, does not justify invoking the criminal law and conduct which crosses the line and results in criminal liability" - Para 31 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

“Harassment is generally understood to involve improper oppressive and unreasonable conduct that is targeted at an individual and calculated to produce alarm and distress” - Para 38 R v O’Neill [2016] EWCA Crim 92 [2016]

"The behaviour said to amount to harassment must reach a level of seriousness passing beyond irritations, annoyances....The gravity of the misconduct must be of an order which would sustain criminal liability" - Paras [40-44] Hayden v Dickenson [2020] EWHC 3291 (QB)

"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything"

In 2002 Dom Watts was an unlikely consumer champion. The dad of three from Croydon took on the power and might of Kodak – and won...Dom on BBC Working Lunch

Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent