(VitalNews.org) – The United Kingdom government is warning citizens to be careful about posting potentially offensive material on social media.
The Crown Prosecution Service posted a warning on X that said “Think before you post!” This was in response to riots and multiple opinions of government decisions and policy in the country.
“Content that incites violence or hatred isn’t just harmful – it can be illegal. The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences,” they said.
“The British government is cracking down on people who share social media posts about the U.K. riots that it judges are ‘likely to start racial hatred,” they continued.
Riots have been breaking out across the United Kingdom after a mass stabbing took place at a dance event that left three girls dead. The suspect is allegedly an eighteen year old British born citizen with Rwandan parents, which has sparked controversy over immigration in the U.K.
Social media has been filled with photos and videos of anti-immigration protests and counter protestors waving Palestinian flags.
Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions of England and Wales, warned of “publishing or distributing material which is insulting or abusive which is intended to or likely to start racial hatred. So, if you retweet that, then you’re republishing that and then potentially you’re committing that offense.”
He continued to say that there are dedicated police officers who look at social media, and their job is to look out for that material and follow up with the appropriate punishment.
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