Viewers of Online Terrorist Material Face 15 Years In Jail
Plans have been announced by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, to introduce a new maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment for people who repeatedly view terrorist content online.
The proposals are designed to tackle radicalisation and will also apply to people who publish information about members of the armed forces, police and intelligence services for the purpose of preparing acts of terrorism.
“I want to make sure those who view despicable terrorist content online, including jihadi websites, far-right propaganda and bomb-making instructions, face the full force of the law.” Amber Rudd said.
This updated offence will apply only to people who access such material repeatedly, allowing a safeguard for people who find such material accidentally or access it once our of curiosity rather than criminal intent. A defence of ‘reasonable excuse’ will remain, allowing academics and others who have a legitimate reason to view such material to do so.
