Review possible penalties for social media posts, including the use of prison
We call on the Government to urgently review the possible penalties for non-violent offences arising from social media posts, including the use of prison.
Signatures
191,591
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 100,000/100,000 · reached
- 20 DEC 2025Petition closedFinal total: 191,591 signatures
- 07 JUL 2025Government respondedMinistry of JusticeGovernment reply
The government is committed to ensuring penalties are proportionate and uphold freedom of expression.
Read full response - 21 JUN 2025100,000 signatures reachedEligible to be considered for debate
- 20 JUN 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 20 JUN 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
There is serious public concern about the proportionality of sentencing in cases involving opinion-based online speech. We believe imprisoning individuals for posts on social media sets a dangerous precedent and raises wider questions about freedom of expression, proportionality in sentencing, and the misuse of limited prison resources. We consider that alternative sanctions, such as fines or community service, would be more appropriate.