Online harassment can be just as devastating as face-to-face abuse—sometimes more so, because it can follow you everywhere. Whether you’re being trolled on social media, receiving threatening messages, or targeted by a sustained campaign of online abuse, you have legal options.
This guide explains how to take action against cyberbullying and claim compensation in the UK.
Is Cyberbullying Illegal in the UK?
There’s no single “cyberbullying law” in the UK, but according to the Anti-Bullying Alliance, what’s illegal offline is illegal online. Several laws can apply:
Criminal Laws
- Malicious Communications Act 1988 – Sending messages intended to cause distress or anxiety
- Communications Act 2003 (Section 127) – Sending grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing electronic messages
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – A course of conduct that amounts to harassment
- Computer Misuse Act 1990 – Unauthorised access to computer systems (hacking)
- Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 – Sharing intimate images without consent
Civil Laws
- Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – Also provides a civil remedy for compensation
- Defamation Act 2013 – For false statements that harm your reputation
- Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR – For misuse of personal information
- Misuse of Private Information – For invasion of privacy
What Counts as Online Harassment?
Online harassment can take many forms:
- Cyberstalking – Repeated, unwanted contact and monitoring
- Trolling – Posting provocative or offensive content to upset you
- Doxxing – Publishing your personal information (address, phone number) online
- Pile-ons – Coordinated attacks by multiple accounts
- Impersonation – Creating fake accounts pretending to be you
- Non-consensual intimate images – Sharing or threatening to share sexual images
- Threats – Messages threatening violence, sexual assault, or other harm
- Defamation – False statements damaging your reputation
UK Case Law
Majrowski v Guy’s & St Thomas’s NHS Trust (2006)
According to the UCU, the House of Lords ruled that employers can be vicariously liable for harassment by employees under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This case opened the door for substantial damages claims for workplace cyberbullying.
Veakins v Kier Islington Ltd
The Court of Appeal held that conduct must be “oppressive and unreasonable” to qualify as harassment, but that establishing malice makes it easier to meet this test. This case made it somewhat easier for employees to claim protection.
Compensation and Remedies
Under the Protection from Harassment Act, you can claim:
- Damages for anxiety caused by the harassment
- Financial losses resulting from the harassment
- Injunction – A court order requiring the harasser to stop
- Restraining order – A criminal court order preventing future contact
Compensation amounts vary widely depending on severity:
- Less serious cases: £1,000-£5,000
- Moderate harassment causing anxiety: £5,000-£15,000
- Serious, sustained campaigns: £15,000-£50,000+
- Cases involving psychiatric injury: Higher awards based on Judicial College Guidelines
Step 1: Document Everything
Evidence is crucial for any legal action:
- Take screenshots – Before content gets deleted
- Save URLs – Of offending posts or profiles
- Record dates and times – Build a timeline of abuse
- Keep messages – Don’t delete anything, even if distressing
- Note witnesses – Who else saw the harassment?
- Document the impact – How it affected your health, work, relationships
Step 2: Report to Police
For serious harassment:
- Report online via your local police website
- Call 101 for non-emergencies
- Call 999 if there’s an immediate threat
- Get a crime reference number
Police can investigate criminal offences and seek restraining orders against perpetrators.
Step 3: Report to Platforms
Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms:
- Report individual posts and accounts
- Request removal of content
- Block the harasser
However, platforms aren’t always responsive—legal action may still be necessary.
Step 4: Civil Claim
To pursue compensation through the courts:
- Protection from Harassment Act claims are brought in the County Court or High Court (not Employment Tribunals)
- Time limit: 6 years from the harassment
- No court fees are required to start a claim online through Money Claims Online (up to £100,000)
Workplace Cyberbullying
If the harassment is related to your job:
- Harassment by colleagues – Employer may be vicariously liable
- Harassment by third parties – Employer has a duty to protect you
- Routes: Employment Tribunal (for discrimination-related harassment) or civil court (for PHA claims)
Criminal Injuries Compensation
If the online harassment constitutes a violent crime (threats of violence that caused psychological injury), you may be able to claim from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), even if the perpetrator isn’t caught.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue an anonymous troll?
Potentially. Courts can order platforms to disclose user information through “Norwich Pharmacal orders.” This can identify anonymous harassers so you can pursue them. It’s costly but possible for serious cases.
What if the harasser is abroad?
Jurisdiction can be complex, but UK courts can often hear cases involving harassment that affected you in the UK. Enforcement of any judgment abroad is another challenge.
Can I sue the platform (Facebook, Twitter/X, etc.)?
Generally difficult. Platforms have legal protections as “intermediaries.” However, if they fail to remove content after being properly notified, there may be grounds for a claim in some circumstances.
What if I’m a child or the victim is a child?
Special protections apply. Report to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) for serious cases involving children. Schools also have safeguarding duties.
Will taking action make it worse?
This is a legitimate concern. Discuss tactics with a solicitor—sometimes a formal letter stops harassment; other times it escalates. Injunctions with the threat of prison for breach can be powerful deterrents.
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