Anonymity of Suspects Bill

Key Points

• Creates a new offence of disclosing the identity of a person who is the subject of an ongoing investigation into an alleged offence.
• Aims to protect privacy and prevent prejudice or harassment during investigations.
• Could affect journalists, publishers, social media users and others who report on ongoing investigations.
• Applies to disclosures by any person or organisation that identify the individual under investigation.
• Currently at the second reading in the House of Commons; if supported, it would proceed to committee stage for detailed scrutiny, followed by further readings and Lords consideration.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination, then to report and third readings before possible consideration by the House of Lords.