In theory, speech in the UK has for some time been subject to tight controls even outside the internet. Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986, as modified in

In theory, speech in the UK has for some time been subject to tight controls even outside the internet. Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986, as modified in 1994, states that 'A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress, he— uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting, thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress. ... A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.' (Above text somewhat abbreviated.) There's also section 5, which is more or less the same offence but without intent, which has a fine (level 3) as it's penalty. I believe the latter is the one more commonly used. But it strikes me that much of the day to day interactions people have with the legal system are subject to what you might call a policeman's 'give a fuck' level, rather than being a reflection of their potential powers from statute.