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Social Media: Business

Asked by Steve DarlingLiberal DemocratDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 17 July 2026UIN 17822

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans she has in place to ensure that businesses accounts on social media are protected from unfair suspension, to mitigate the financial impact on their business.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The Government recognises the importance of social media to UK businesses. Under the Online Safety Act, regulated services must operate accessible and effective complaints procedures, enabling users, including businesses, to challenge account suspensions or bans where they have been mistakenly associated with illegal content or content harmful to children.

Services must also take appropriate action in response to complaints. These duties are designed to increase transparency and accountability in platform decision-making. Ofcom has powers to take enforcement action where providers fail to comply with their statutory duties.

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