GOTO: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer
Herewith examples of the legal/policing situation in the UK PRIOR to the OSA coming into force:
GOTO: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceq5vdxx7d2o
GOTO: https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/newcastle-man-sentenced-for-offensive-tweets/
The Comments of the Police in respect of the above case:
Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, spoke of the ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to harmful online content. “The Counter Terrorism Policing network works around the clock to identify harmful content online and bring to justice anyone promoting such material on social media,” Dunkerley stated in the press release.
The press release also highlighted the importance of public vigilance, encouraging individuals to report any posts or activity that express extreme views or hatred to the police. Dunkerley further urged the public, “If you’ve seen material expressing extreme views or hatred, trust your instincts and report any posts or activity of concern to police so we can act on it.”
Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/newcastle-man-sentenced-in-court-for-offensive-tweets/