Blog
Deepfakes to Deletion Orders: Tackling technology enabled sexual offending in the Crime and Policing Act 2026
Sophie Tang
26 March 2024
Guidance on prosecuting offences under the Online Safety Act 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 (the OSA 2023) now has a firmly established statutory footing, and is making significant waves in the online regulation landscape. To further consolidate the OSA, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has published new and updated guidance which is intended to help prosecutors make decisions on the newly established communication offences.
19 March 2024
First cyber-flashing conviction under the Online Safety Act 2023
In a landmark case, Nicholas Hawkes, from Basildon, Essex, has become the first person to be convicted and imprisoned in England and Wales for the criminal offence of cyber-flashing. This historic verdict marks a significant moment in the life of the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), which aims to combat digital harassment and safeguard online communities.
31 January 2024
Policing the metaverse: the reality of virtual sexual offences
The police are undertaking the first reported investigation into a “virtual rape”, which is said to have taken place in the metaverse. This case brings to the forefront a number of questions around the adequacy of the UK’s current legislation surrounding sexual offences, and whether it can cater to behaviours taking place in the metaverse.
25 January 2024
Criminal offences in the Online Safety Act 2023
The Online Safety Act 2023 (the Act) has the potential to dramatically change the online safety landscape in the UK, although it remains to be seen how the legislation fares in delivering the government’s manifesto commitment “to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online while defending free expression”.
20 November 2023
The UK-US Data Bridge: A Shift in Transatlantic Data Sharing
On 12 October 2023, the UK-US Data Bridge (the “Data Bridge”) came into force, transforming the way both nations handle the flow of information across their borders. In this blog we explore the position before and after the introduction of the Data Bridge, looking at the key implications, benefits and challenges associated with the transatlantic data-sharing initiative.
