Laws to be introduced on social networks on hate preaching against religion(s)

In the recent years numerous far right groups have insulted prophets of faiths including Prophet Muhammad PBUH, using public YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms. I believe there needs to be a legal boundary set when discussing criticism against religions and their respective Prophets.

The open rallies and social media networks require moderators to stop hate speech. We have far-right preachers who are creating disunity, disharmony against law abiding citizens. Where such speech/expressions incite religious intolerance e.g. in the event of an improper or even abusive attack on an object of religious veneration, the government should consider them to be incompatible with respect for the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and take proportionate restrictive measures.

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right and one which must be upheld and defended. Equally, freedom of speech is the foundation of a healthy society, allowing for debate and disagreement, underpinned by those values that bind people together - tolerance, equality and fairness. It is important that all have the right to speak freely, and that a strong legal framework provides the appropriate space to do so. The Government will continue to protect people’s legitimate rights and freedoms whilst also remaining committed to tackling hate crime, both online and offline.

The Online Harms White Paper, published in April sets out the Government’s plans for world-leading legislation to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. The internet and other new technologies have driven dramatic improvements to the economy and society. The benefits of technological innovation should rightly extend to all citizens, and harmful behaviours and content cannot be allowed to undermine these. People have strong and legitimate concerns about their safety and security online – the Government is clear that what is unacceptable offline should be unacceptable online. The challenge as a society is to help shape an internet that is open and vibrant but protects users and communities from harm.

As outlined in the Online Harms White Paper, the Government intend to establish in law a new duty of care on companies towards their users, overseen by an independent regulator. This regulator will set clear safety standards, backed up by mandatory reporting requirements and effective enforcement powers. Companies will be held to account for tackling a comprehensive set of online harms; these range from illegal activity and content to behaviours that may not be illegal but are nonetheless highly damaging to individuals and society.