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Legal Framework: Social Media

Volume 606: debated on Thursday 25 February 2016

11. What steps he plans to take to improve the level of public understanding of the legal framework applicable to social media. (903734)

There is clearly some awareness of the legal framework applicable to social media, but I publish warnings online reminding people of their responsibilities wherever appropriate. My office also sends tweets warning social media users of the risk of being in contempt, where a particular problem has been identified. I assure my hon. Friend that I am always looking at ways of raising awareness in this area.

Can my hon. and learned Friend explain what steps are being taken to prevent media coverage of ongoing cases?

The media quite properly play a role in reporting cases, but any lack of responsibility allows my office and, indeed, criminal law to intervene, particularly in respect of the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Detailed guidelines on the prosecution of such cases are available on the CPS website.