Part 2

Networks, services and the radio spectrum
Chapter 1

Electronic communications networks and services

Offences relating to networks and services

Improper use of public electronic communications network
127
1
A person is guilty of an offence if he—
a
sends by means of a public electronic communications network a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character; or
b
causes any such message or matter to be so sent.
2
A person is guilty of an offence if, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, he—
a
sends by means of a public electronic communications network, a message that he knows to be false,
b
causes such a message to be sent; or
c
persistently makes use of a public electronic communications network.
3
A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
4
Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to anything done in the course of providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)).
S. 127 in force at 25.7.2003 for specified purposes by S.I. 2003/1900, arts. 1(2), 2(1), Sch. 1 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 1(3))
S. 127 in force at 29.12.2003 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2003/3142, art. 3(2) (with art. 11)