People smugglers who use TikTok and other social media to advertise Channel small boat crossings to the UK face a crackdown in flagship Government legislation, the Culture Secretary has confirmed.
As first reported by i, Michelle Donelan confirmed the Government would use the Online Safety Bill due to pass the Commons on Tuesday night to ensure social media companies proactively tackle the advertising of people trafficking.
Under the proposals to be brought forward when the laws reach the House of Lords in the coming weeks, social media companies would have to take down the adverts or risk fines of up to 10 per cent of turnover, as imposed by Ofcom.
Announcing the move, Ms Donelan said: “As the Prime Minister has said, stopping these crossings is one of this Government’s top priorities.
“The use of highly dangerous methods to enter this country, including unseaworthy or small and overcrowded boats and refrigerated lorries presents a huge challenge for us all.
“The situation needs to be resolved, and we will not hesitate to take action, wherever that can have the most effect – including through this Bill, as organised crime groups are increasingly using social media to facilitate migrant crossings.”
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Natalie Elphicke, the Conservative MP for Dover who was pushing for the change, told i: “The Online Safety Bill amendment calls time online for the TikTok traffickers who promote small boat crossings through online platforms and social media.
“I worked closely with the Government on these changes which see offences relating to illegal immigration and modern slavery added to the Online Safety Bill.
“I am very pleased that the Government has listened and is taking this firm action to tackle online activity which encourages the dangerous and illegal small boat crossings.
“This is an important legal change towards stopping the small boats. It will make it harder for people smugglers to reach wide audiences using social media.”
