Online Safety Act 2023 (c. 50)

PART 10 U.K. Communications offences

Repeals and amendments in connection with offences U.K.

189 Repeals in connection with offences under sections 179 and 181 E+W+N.I.

(1) Section 127(2)(a) and (b) of the Communications Act (false messages) is repealed so far as it extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland.

(2) The following provisions of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 are repealed—

(a) section 1(1)(a)(ii),

(b) section 1(1)(a)(iii), and

(c) section 1(2).

(3) The following provisions of the Malicious Communications (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (S.I. 1988/1849 (N.I. 18)) are repealed—

(a) Article 3(1)(a)(ii),

(b) Article 3(1)(a)(iii), and

(c) Article 3(2).

Commencement Information

I1 S. 189 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 240(1)

I2 S. 189 in force at 31.1.2024 by S.I. 2024/31, reg. 2

190 Repeals in connection with offences under section 188 E+W

Sections 33 to 35 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (disclosing or threatening to disclose private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress) are repealed.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 190 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 240(1)

I4 S. 190 in force at 31.1.2024 by S.I. 2024/31, reg. 2

191 Consequential amendments U.K.

(1) Part 1 of Schedule 14 contains amendments consequential on sections 179, 181 and 183.

(2) Part 2 of Schedule 14 contains amendments consequential on section 184.

(3) Part 3 of Schedule 14 contains amendments consequential on sections 187 and 188.

(4) Part 4 of Schedule 14 contains amendments consequential on section 190.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 191 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 240(1)

I6 S. 191 in force at 31.1.2024 by S.I. 2024/31, reg. 2