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<p>We expect social media companies, and internet platforms, to have robust processes
in place and to act promptly when abuse is reported. The Government continues to work
closely with social media companies and other relevant actors and experts to make
sure they are committed to protecting those who use their platforms.</p><p>The law
is clear that what is illegal offline is illegal online. Robust legislation is in
place to deal with internet trolls, cyber-stalking and harassment, and perpetrators
of grossly offensive, obscene or menacing behaviour.</p><p>The Criminal Justice Act
2015 strengthened two existing communications offences: section 1 of the Malicious
Communications Act 1988, and section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 which can
now be used to prosecute misuse of social media. The police now have longer to investigate
either offence, and the maximum penalty for the former has been increased to two years
imprisonment.</p><p>The Crown Prosecution Service published guidance to prosecutors
in October on crimes involving social media. The Home Office has allocated £4.6 million
of the Police Transformation Fund specifically to begin the critical work of setting
up a comprehensive and joined up programme of digital transformation across policing.</p>
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