GAGGING INTERNET TROLLS OR GAGGING FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

It seems that Alison Saunders at the CPS is about to slice just a little bit more from our freedom of speech.  In the aftermath of many comments, some more warranted than others, on the effects on psychologically vulnerable individuals  of on line abuse Ms Saunders has warned that social media users could be prosecuted for a range of offensive behaviour not excluding virtual mobbing or doxxing which means putting someone`s personal details on line. On the other hand she has advised that prosecutors should exercise considerable caution before bringing charges under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 or the Communications Act 2003.  The new guidelines state that the communication or post must be more than offensive, shocking, disturbing, satirical, iconoclastic or rude and be more than an expression of  unpopular or unfashionable opinion, banter or humour even if distasteful.  It will interesting to read of the application of the guidelines in the next well publicised such case in the public domain.