The Malicious Communications Act 1988 and similar statutory instruments make it a criminal offence for individuals to send messages which are indecent, grossly offensive or contain threats (essentially messages sent for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety). The Act makes provision for the punishment of persons who send or deliver such letters or other articles, and thus criminal prosecution under this legislation can result in a criminal record, a fine and potentially a prison sentence.
For the sake of this guidance, electronic communication includes:
