Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to tackle online platforms that fail to prevent the promotion of fraudulent content.

This government takes the issue of online fraud, including fraudulent advertising, incredibly seriously. DSIT works closely with other departments to address online fraud, including the Home Office, who have overall responsibility for fraud policy.

The Online Safety Act has clear duties on providers to protect their users from fraud. This includes that regulated services must prevent users from encountering user-generated scam content, swiftly remove it if it appears, and mitigate and manage the risk of their services facilitating fraud. The largest services will also have to tackle fraudulent advertising once the relevant duties are in force. In July, Ofcom is expected to publish a register of categorised services and to launch a consultation on additional duties for those designated as Category 1 or 2A to tackle paid-for fraudulent advertising.

AI has huge potential benefits, but can also bring opportunities for criminals. The OSA regulates AI-generated media in the same way as ‘real’ content, and places the same obligations on services to protect their users.

To support compliance with Act duties, Ofcom issues Codes of Practice advising services on how to be compliant with their regulatory obligations. These Codes are expected to evolve over time to address new threats and new technologies.

Where social media companies do not fulfil their duties under the OSA, Ofcom, the independent regulator, has robust powers to act. This includes issuing fines of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue (whichever is greater) if services fail to live up to their regulatory obligations.