Internet Forum Hate Mail

[hammerman]

If, on an open forum, someone with the username, let's say Mr Blobby, posts a seriously offensive remark against someone with the username, let's say The Magic Fairy, can this be taken further if a complaint is made to the police?

[rockyracoon]

People on Twitter have been arrested for what they have said, so an open forum would be viewed in the same way. But, the devil is in the detail; it depends on what offensive remark they made, I'd imagine.

[jackthehat]

Not really.
Are they both anonymous?
Is it general abuse or specific abuse based on knowledge of The Magic Fairy offline?
It'll be a bit of a non-starter as far as the Police are concerned.

[woofgang]

I think the twitter remarks weren’t (just) personally abusive. I think they were judged as racist or incitement.

[hammerman]

None of the parties know each other as far as i'm aware. One of them said something, the other replied with abuse. Both anonymous, no racist or homophobic material etc.

[jackthehat]

In that case.....No.

Otherwise several members of AB, past and present, would have had their collars felt.

[Canary42]

Unlikely, it's so rife in some forums - football supporters forums seem a particularly bad example.

[Jackdaw33]

The now-defunct site which can not be named was notorious for that.

[Maydup]

Sticks and stones I think.

Unless it is repetitive and continuous then it might be harassment which is a bit different.

[Peter Pedant]

people so far are not really answering the point
as in "but it may be harassment"
If it is harassment - then it can be taken further as that (both criminal and civil)

actually

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect/online-abuse/legislation-policy-practice/

communications 2003 s 127

and my fave Malicious Communications act 1998

harassment and a few others

(altho we must not be judgemental
honestly I dont think it is worth it
sticks and stone quite honestly )

[unless children are involved when it becomes a safeguarding issue]

[ummmm]

Peter....one abusive comment was mentioned.

[Peter Pedant]

The Law thread my sweet is about
what is the law?
and not dja think this is a go-er ?
actually I dont ( think it is a go-er)

Harassment Act was altered to allow one single event ( but a big one) to count

Here is one that has always made me laugh
two antiques experts at each other's throats

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/jennymccartney/8500516/Philip-Mould-and-the-curse-of-the-poison-pen.html

[cassa333]

I would say... grow up and find a pair.

It is all to easy to be offended these days and we cannot say anything that in any way upsets someone.

Where I agree that harassment is a serious issue a spat and name calling is piffling. Especially so when both participants are anonymous to everyone and themselves.