UK Plans New Law to Criminalise Online Promotion of Illegal Channel Crossings
UK Plans New Law to Criminalise Online Promotion of Illegal Channel Crossings
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The UK government has announced plans to introduce a new offence targeting the online promotion of illegal immigration, as part of its Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently before Parliament, BBC reported.
The proposed offence would criminalise creating or sharing content online that facilitates breaches of UK immigration law—such as advertising fake passports, visas, or illegal work opportunities.
The offence could carry a prison sentence of up to five years and significant fines. Officials say the measure will give police and agencies greater power to disrupt people-smuggling networks, many of which rely heavily on social media.
Policing Minister Diana Johnson said the law would apply even to content produced abroad if perpetrators later enter the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the selling of false promises to migrants “immoral.”
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has already removed over 8,000 related online posts in 2024 and welcomed the proposal. The Home Office noted that roughly 80% of small boat arrivals used social media during their journey.
More than 25,000 migrants have arrived in the UK by small boats in 2025 so far—a record number. Cross-Channel cooperation with France has also been strengthened.
