Harassment via social media trebles

In 2009, the PSNI recorded just four offences were the modus operandi (MO) notes referred to a social media website. This rose to 14 in 2012 and over the four years there were 30 such references. PSNI MO notes over the four years referred to Facebook 26 times; Bebo three times; and Blackberry once.

There were no references to Twitter, Google Plus or MySpace over the four years. The revelation is further demonstration of how social media and communications device users can find themselves prosecuted for crimes under a broad suite of existing legislation, including anti-harassment laws.

Earlier this year the Sentinel reported Justice Minister David Ford’s view that specific regulation of social media was a matter for London.

“Regulation of the internet is not an issue which falls within the responsibilities of our devolved Executive. Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 it is specifically recorded as a reserved matter,” he said.