The Law Commission has started examining the rules governing the way trial jurors behave.
It is part of a wide-ranging review of the contempt law, including the release of information likely to prejudice a fair trial.
Jurors are supposed to reach a verdict based solely on evidence given during a trial, but the law commissioner leading the review, Judge Peter Boshier, says modern technology is threatening that.
Judge Boshier says jurors can Google information at an unbelievable speed and the guidelines on contempt have to be effective given that new reality.
"I think we have to look at the law now as it presently sits alongside the internet and the electronic means available to people.
"It's a matter of making sure, from the Law Commission's point of view, that the law of contempt is current and relevant and that it's continuing to do its job."
Judge Boshier says contempt of court guidelines are at present made by judges and it is possible that government legislation on contempt of court might be needed.
