Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Online Fraud

Wednesday 15 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Tackling online fraud is a priority for the UK Government.
  • The Online Safety Act 2023 mandates companies to mitigate risks posed by fraud and scams on their services.
  • Companies must take measures to prevent and swiftly remove fraudulent content from their platforms.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Context

The MP is concerned about the rise in online fraud incidents and seeks specific steps being taken to combat this issue.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle online fraud?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

Tackling fraud is a priority for this Government. The Online Safety Act 2023 requires regulated companies to mitigate the risk posed by fraud and scams on their services. In addition, Ofcom will publish codes of practice recommending steps for companies to take.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify concrete actions or timelines but mentions general requirements under the Online Safety Act.

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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Business Compliance
Context

The MP seeks clarification on what companies must do under the Online Safety Act to address online fraud.

Question

What will companies actually have to do under the terms of the Act?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

All companies in scope of the Act will need to take action to tackle fraud where it is facilitated through user-generated content or via search results. They must take measures to prevent fraudulent content from appearing on their platforms, and swiftly remove it if it does so. Additionally, there will be a duty on the largest social media platforms and search engines that will require them to tackle fraudulent adverts on their services.

Answered
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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP has received reports from constituents who have fallen victim to online scams and seeks specific steps being taken to educate the public, especially elderly people.

Question

I thank the Minister for that response. I have heard from numerous constituents who have been victims of online scams where perpetrators ask for bank details over the phone. What steps can the Minister take to make people, especially elderly people—they are the ones who come to me—more aware of what to look out for in terms of online scams, to ensure that the money that they have earned over their lifetime is not stolen?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

As I said, there will be a duty on the largest social media platforms that will require them to tackle fraudulent adverts. That will have a significant impact in preventing a range of online frauds, including romance scams and scam ads. I will also talk to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on the hon. Member's behalf, because the Government have a fraud strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not specify concrete steps for educating elderly people about online scams but mentions existing duties under the Act and ongoing dialogue with other departments.

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