The word "troll" is used to refer to the action of using electronic communication and other online networks to send or promote false, threatening, offensive or indecent messages. Those who engage in such activity are referred to as "trolls."
General conviction rates for people accused of trolling increased eight times in 2004-2014, while the number of imprisonments increased 22 times, from seven in 2004 to 155 in 2014, the British ITV News reported citing official figures.
Such a dramatic rise is likely to be partially the result of the increase in social media use, Lilian Edwards, director of the Center for Internet Law and Policy at the University of Strathclyde was quoted as saying by the broadcasting company.
According to current British legislation, people who engage in trolling activity violate Section 127 of the UK Communications Act 2003, and face either imprisonment of up to six months or a fine not exceeding 5,000 pounds ($7,740)
In late 2014, UK then-Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said that Parliament would consider new laws that could sentence those convicted of trolling up to two years in prison.
