Online Safety Act 2023: Virtual Private Networks

Lord Vaizey of Didcot Excerpts

Monday 15th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, Ofcom has clear enforcement powers against platforms that fail to implement highly effective age assurance. This includes issuing fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, whichever is greater. Ofcom is already using these powers, with investigations opened into at least 47 sites and apps that are suspected of non-compliance.

I will provide the noble Baroness the figures. On false communication offences, Ofcom has proceeded against 17 cases, of which 14 were convicted and sentenced. On the offence of threatening communication, Ofcom has taken action in 462 cases, of which 294 were convicted and 239 were sentenced. Platforms have legal duties under the Online Safety Act. If they fall short, particularly in protecting children, they will face serious consequences. We will not allow safety standards to be ignored.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Young of Acton (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as the head of the Free Speech Union. As I am sure the—

[Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms and Chief Whip (Lord Kennedy of Southwark) (Lab Co-op)]

It is the turn of the Conservative Benches. Please make up your minds about which noble Lord will ask a question.

[Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Con)]

My Lords, I was interested to read comments from Republican politicians over the weekend calling out the role of social media in polluting political discourse, particularly after the horrific events in America last week. Can we please recognise that we are pioneers in this country in terms of regulating platforms and that Ofcom is doing a terrific job? While parliamentary oversight is very important, can we please allow Ofcom the time to implement this very complex legislation and find time to applaud the effective job that it is doing?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, online safety regulation is a priority not only for this Government but for Governments around the world. A number of democratic nations are introducing legislation to better protect users from serious online harm, including child sexual abuse, terrorist content and misinformation. The UK’s approach is proportionate, transparent and rooted in the rule of law.