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Internet: Offensive Weapons

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 4801

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle harmful online trends promoting the use of catapults to harm animals.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The Government has taken robust action to clamp down on illegal content online, including material involving weapons and animal cruelty.

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must take proactive steps to reduce the risk of illegal content, including the promotion of harm to animals or the illegal use of weapons, and remove such content when identified.

Ofcom is responsible for enforcing compliance with these duties and has wide-ranging enforcement powers including issuing significant fines. We engage regularly with social media companies regarding their duties under the Online Safety Act.

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