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Social Media: Fraud

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 19 February 2025UIN 30863

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to introduce regulations to prevent the sharing of scam content on social media platforms.

Answered by Feryal Clark

Government takes the issue of fraudulent content on social media platforms seriously – which is why fraud is listed as a priority offence in the Online Safety Act.

In-scope services, including social media platforms, will have to take steps to prevent fraudulent content appearing on their platforms and to swiftly remove such content if it does. The largest services (categorised services) must also take action to tackle paid-for fraudulent adverts.

Ofcom has robust powers to take enforcement action where companies fail to meet their duties, including issuing fines of up to 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue.

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