New counter-terror laws came into force yesterday
Viewing terrorist material online just once now an offence
The UK’s new The Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act came into force yesterday and has made viewing terrorist content only once a criminal offence.
Exemptions have been created for academics and journalists, though human rights groups have warned the law could catch too many other people in its net, such as those who might view material to gain a better understanding or who have just exercised poor judgment.
"The difference between forming the intention to do something and then actually carrying out the act is still fundamental to criminal law." – Joseph Cannataci, UN special rapporteur on privacy