Governments around the world are intensifying measures against deceptive online material, with over 62,000 individuals facing detention under “speech-related crimes.” Notably, the UK—home to one of the oldest parliamentary systems—has tightened restrictions on online propaganda, aligning with countries like France and India that maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward anti-state rhetoric.
According to the British organization Free Speech Union, more than 62,000 people have been arrested over the past five years for speech-related offenses. In the UK alone, 18,510 individuals were formally charged, and 12,292 were convicted. Those apprehended include individuals who shared controversial or inflammatory posts on social media platforms.
The global advocacy group Big Brother Watch notes that legislation such as the Online Safety Act has significantly impacted arrest rates within the UK. Meanwhile, reports from Indian media outlet Firstpost highlight that France has similarly detained citizens for sharing anti-state content online. Additionally, The Times of India reported that in India’s Bihar state, the misuse of social media resulted in 475 FIRs and the arrest of 103 individuals in 2026.
