‘Trolling’ convictions increase eightfold in a decade

Convictions for crimes under a law used to prosecute internet trolls have increased eightfold in a decade, UK figures reveal.

Last year 1,209 people were found guilty of offences under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 — equivalent to three every day — compared with 143 in 2004.

It is a crime under the act to send “by means of a public electronic communications network” a message or other material that is “grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character”.