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<p>Crimes such as phishing and online payment fraud are already criminalised under
the Fraud Act [2006] and the Computer Misuse Act 1990 (CMA). To ensure that online
platforms are doing all they can to further protect the public the Government passed
the Online Safety Act (OSA) in November 2023. Fraud is included as a priority offence
under the Act, which means tech companies are now required to tackle fraudulent content
on their platform that is ‘user-generated’ or face the possibility of significant
fines. The Act’s fraudulent advertising duty will also require certain categories
of companies to stop fraudulent advertising appearing on their platforms.</p><p>The
Government published the Online Fraud Charter in November 2023; a voluntary agreement
with the largest companies in the tech sector, designed to raise best practice across
the sector and deliver a much quicker and more targeted response than regulation.
As part of the Charter, signatories have committed to supporting the Government’s
<em>Stop! Think Fraud</em> campaign. This was a major campaign – across TV, radio,
social media and billboards – that aim’s to improve public awareness by streamlining
and amplifying messaging. The campaign, and supporting website, will make it easier
for the public to recognise fraud and take steps to protect themselves, their family
and friends.</p><p>Furthermore, the Government is committed to ensuring that the CMA,
the UK’s key piece of cybercrime legislation which criminalises unauthorised access
to computer systems and data remains up to date and effective to tackle criminality.
We are currently reviewing the CMA, and the Home Office will provide an update to
Parliament on any proposals that we will take forward in due course.</p>
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