Petition · past parliament · Department for Work and Pensions

Review legislation governing the admissibility of computer evidence

Closed 132 signatures

What the petition asks

Legislation limiting the admissibility of computer evidence was repealed in 1999, and we want the Government to review current rules on the admissibility of computer evidence, and implement any necessary reforms, such as a legally binding duty to disclose any known defects in the computer system.
Innocent sub-postmasters were convicted of theft and other offences because the Horizon software system was considered to be reliable.
We believe the current rules about the admissibility of computer evidence are inconsistent with the burden of evidence being on the prosecution to prove the guilt of a defendant.

Timeline

31 Jan 2024 Petition opened for signatures
29 May 2024 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 132
Status Closed
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 31 Jan 2024
Closed 29 May 2024

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.