Social media does not pose a serious threat to criminal trials, government research has concluded.
In September 2017, the previous Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC MP issued a Call for Evidence, asking for examples of trials being affected and evidence of anonymity orders or reporting restrictions being breached via social media.
Reporting back this week, however, Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP said: ‘I am pleased to say that our respondents reported that this risk is relatively minor, and that they are already confident that they can mitigate the risk where it does arise.’ He reminded social media users that the rules are the same as those for traditional media, and contempt of court could lead to a fine or up to two years in prison.
Concerns had been raised that many social media users are unaware of reporting restrictions, contempt of court or what would constitute a breach of an anonymity order.
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