UK Internet Rules You Didn’t Know About: What You Can and Can’t Do Online

The internet provides a wealth of opportunities, but with it comes the responsibility to follow laws and regulations that help ensure safety, fairness, and privacy. In the UK, there are various rules about what you can and can’t do online, many of which people may not be aware of. Here’s a look at some of the key dos and don’ts when navigating the digital world in the UK.

Play Online Casino Games Legally

You can legally play online casino games in the UK if you’re 18 or older. Platforms within the UK are regulated by the UKGC and ensure responsible gaming practices and player protection. Operators in the UK follow strict rules, like GamStop, which is a self-exclusion scheme. 

Due to the strict UK regulations, many bettors opt for international offshore sites that bypass the UKGC’s rules. International non GamStop casinos offer more flexible betting options and a wider variety of games, bypassing some of the UK’s restrictions. These sites have grown popular in recent years amongst bettors who value privacy and flexibility when gaming online. 

Download Legal Content Only

You can download and stream content from legitimate sources, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or iTunes, where licensing agreements and permissions have been granted. This includes movies, music, games, and software that have been distributed legally. However, downloading or streaming pirated content is illegal in the UK. This includes any material that has been distributed without the permission of the copyright holder, such as movies, music, or games. Engaging in illegal downloading or torrenting can result in fines or legal action.

Share Your Personal Information (With Caution)

You are allowed to share your personal information when necessary, such as for online shopping or signing up for services, as long as you trust the site and are aware of its privacy policies. However, it’s illegal to share personal data with untrusted parties or use someone else’s personal information without their consent. Scams and identity theft are criminal offences, and you should avoid giving out personal details on sites that don’t have secure, encrypted connections.

Cyberbullying or Harassment Is Not Allowed

You are free to engage in respectful online discussions, make comments, and post content on social media or other platforms, as long as you follow platform guidelines and the law. However, cyberbullying, harassment, and threatening behaviour online are criminal offences in the UK. Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Communications Act 2003, sending threatening or abusive messages can lead to fines, legal action, or even imprisonment.

Using VPNs (With Caution)

Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) is legal in the UK, and it is a popular choice for securing online privacy. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, offering more privacy when browsing or accessing content. However, while VPNs themselves are legal, using them to access content or services that are geographically restricted or prohibited by law is illegal. For example, bypassing geographical content restrictions to access pirated material or accessing illegal online casinos through a VPN is prohibited.

Share Your Opinions Freely (Within Limits)

You are free to express your opinions and engage in discussions on the internet in the UK, including social media platforms and forums. Freedom of expression is protected under UK law, as long as your opinions do not harm others or incite violence. However, making defamatory, discriminatory, or hateful remarks can lead to legal consequences. This includes content that could be considered harassment or incitement to violence.

Browse the Web Anonymously (But Within Limits)

You are allowed to browse the web anonymously if you wish, using tools like privacy-focused browsers or VPNs to protect your identity and location. However, engaging in criminal activity, such as hacking, online fraud, or accessing illicit content, anonymously is illegal, regardless of the tools you use to hide your identity. Even if you use a VPN or anonymous browsing, you are still subject to UK law and can be prosecuted for illegal activities.

Sell Items Online (With Compliance)

You can sell items online through platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace, as long as you comply with the platform’s rules and legal obligations. This includes correctly listing the items and paying applicable taxes. However, selling illegal or counterfeit goods is illegal in the UK. You cannot use online marketplaces to sell items that infringe on intellectual property rights, such as fake designer goods or pirated software. It’s also illegal to sell regulated items without the necessary licences, such as alcohol or prescription drugs.

Create and Share Content (But Be Mindful of Copyright)

You can create and share content online, including videos, blogs, social media posts, and artwork, as long as you respect copyright laws. If you use third-party content, always ensure that you have the appropriate permissions or that the content is in the public domain. However, using copyrighted content without permission unless it’s covered under fair use is illegal. For example, posting someone else’s music, video clips, or images without consent can result in your content being removed or even legal action.

Engage in Data Collection or Surveillance (Not Allowed)

You can collect data for business or personal purposes, but only in compliance with data protection regulations. In the UK, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ensures that personal data is collected and handled responsibly. However, using online tools for unauthorised surveillance or to collect private data about others without their consent is illegal. This includes hacking into social media accounts or using spyware to monitor someone’s online activities.