Maria Miller is campaigning for changes in the law to tackle online abuse and trolling as the current legislation does not adequately protect individuals and makes it difficult for police to help victims.

Currently there are more than 30 pieces of legislation being used against online crimes. These include the Contempt of Court Act 1981, Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Malicious Communications Act 1988, Communications Act 2003, Offences Against the Person Act 1861, Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Computer Misuse Act 1990, and the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Maria said "We have seen a significant increase in the number of incidents of online abuse and trolling. The complex set of existing legislation makes it difficult for the police to take meaningful action when victims report online abuse. Internet companies need to acknowledge that they must challenge, and stop criminal behaviour, by people who use their services for criminal activity. By updating / creating new set of laws that deal specifically with online abuse will make sure that internet companies can develop adequate framework for dealing with online abuse, the police can effectively use new legislation to get justice for victims and individuals are able to use internet openly and safely.”