Should You Be Arrested for What You Say On Twitter?

A man has been arrested for sending abuse to a feminist campaigner via Twitter. He was unhappy that she's successfully campaigned to have a woman's (Jane Austen's) face printed on the new £10 note and thought he'd exercise his anger by threatening to rape her over the internet. Which is obviously a horrible thing to threaten someone with, and would be a hilariously idiotic thing to do on the guy's part if it wasn't quite so disturbing.

His arrest has thrown up the question of whether people should be arrested for the stuff they tweet. I wanted to know what the public thought about that, so I went to ask them that exact question.

Andy: I think that, to an extent, yes. There should be a number to call to specifically dob someone in. Because if you're making death threats towards someone, then I think you should be taken to some sort of authority to seek mental or psychiatric help.

Do you think the people making threats are a bit twisted?
I think generally if someone is making threats at someone, especially if it’s someone that they’ve met before, then there’s something wrong with them.

Have you ever witnessed any Twitter hate?
Not really. I’ve had a few friends who have made silly, mean comments, but it’s obvious that they're just having a laugh. Nothing serious.

Phew.

Max: No.

Why not?
Because it’s funny, isn’t it?

What about when it turns nasty?
Go off it.

So if you get threats, you should go away?
It’s the internet, isn’t it? It’s different.

Okay, so if I told you I was going to kill you via twitter, would that be OK?
No, not really. Just get banned from using it. Get a report button. Just press report when you’re not happy – that’s easier, isn’t it?

Have you ever abused anyone online?
No, but I’ve got black friends and you can just have a racist joke with them. I always get reported, but it’s just a bit of fun.

Great.

Joseph: I think that if it’s criminal – if you’re saying things that you would normally get arrested for – then yeah, why not?

Do you think people get a bit caught up in the moment because they’re hidden away in their rooms?
Yeah, I think some people don’t realise the impact. Especially if you’re a celebrity with loads of follows and you say things at people. Like Erykah Badu – it started off with a fan saying, “Six hours late and all kind of phony.” Then it turned into this slanging match with hair insults flying around.

Never stoop to their level.
No, it’s not proper.

Erin: If it's racist, homophobic or threatens someone’s life and it’s a clear threat, then I think there’s the potential to arrest someone. But if it’s an obvious joke – like, I know there’s been terrorist cases where people have been banned from countries because they made jokes about airport security – I think there has to be some kind of understanding.

How do you think this kind of thing should be handled?
There needs to be some kind of moderation for cyber bullying, or some kind of force that monitors them. But I don’t know what it can be.

So you wouldn’t get abusive on twitter?
No, I don’t use my social profile for that kind of stuff. Oh, actually, I did say something about Lil' Kim the other day because she didn’t show up to Lovebox, but it wasn’t mean.

Sarah: No, I don’t think so. It’s your opinion – it’s your free speech, I guess.

What about if someone’s threatening someone?
I can see where you’re coming from. I guess when action is taken out then it gets serious.

But being a bit mean is OK?
Yeah, that's life. It’s not nice and everything, but it’s what life is. I’ve done it to my friends, but just sorted it out afterwards between us.

Well, that’s sweet.

Previously - What's the Worst Investment You've Ever Made?