iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Replies

Anna [She/Her] @spinningforce.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

It's up to the individual to prove their innocence by having a "legitimate" reason to cover their face as their defence because fuck the rule of law, amirite?

Concealing identity at a protest
Current legislation gives police the power to direct people to remove face coverings in designated areas and to seize face coverings where they reasonably believe people are wearing these wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing their identity. Individuals may therefore follow the direction of an officer to remove their face covering but then move to a new area and put the face covering back on. In some circumstances, using a face covering to conceal identity may be used for the purpose of avoiding conviction for criminal activity in a designated area.

The new criminal offence will prohibit the wearing or otherwise using of an item to conceal identity in an area designated by the police under the new provisions. The offence will carry a maximum penalty of one month imprisonment, a £1000 fine, or both.

Concealing identity at a protest
Q. What is the measure being introduced?
A new criminal offence of wearing, or otherwise using, an item that conceals identity in an area designated by police due to the risk of criminal activity taking place at protests. This will enable the police to put a stop to individuals hiding behind masks to avoid conviction for criminal activity at protests.

A designation will be placed on a locality when police reasonably believe that a protest is or may take place, that the protest activity is likely to involve, or has involved, the commission of offences and that the designation would prevent or control the commission of offences.

The offence will only apply in a locality which has been designated by a police inspector (or a rank above) and the designation can only last for a maximum of 48 hours. It will cover individuals who are wearing or otherwise using an item that conceals their or another person’s identity, however it will not cover those wearing face coverings for health, religious or work-related purposes.

130

Anna [She/Her] @spinningforce.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

And this applies to everyone (including residents because everyone means everyone) within the designated area, not just protesters.

020