Submitted by Ian Martin on Monday 8th December 2025
Published on Tuesday 20th January 2026
Current status: Open
Open until: Monday 20th July 2026
Current Signatures: 53
(count is updated approximately hourly)
Repeal Section 127 of the Communications Act 2003
Repeal Section 127(1)(a) of the Communications Act 2003, which criminalises “grossly offensive” online communications. Replace it with clearer, narrowly defined legislation that seeks to protect the public from genuine harm while safeguarding freedom of expression.
We believe the term “grossly offensive” is vague and subjective, giving the state excessive power to criminalise speech that is merely unpopular or provocative. This can undermine free expression, chill public debate, and can lead to inconsistent prosecutions. Harmful threats and harassment are already covered by more precise laws. Repealing and replacing this wording would, we believe, restore proper limits on state power while maintaining protections against genuine abuse.
If you want to sign this petition (as opposed to merely discuss it), you need to do that on the government's e-Petitions website.
216.73.216.219 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:37:47 +0100