Social Media Crackdown: UK Targets People Smugglers

The UK government plans to impose stricter penalties on people smugglers using social media to promote illegal crossings. This move aims to curb the rising number of migrants entering Britain illegally, with a new law proposing up to five years in prison for offenders. The crackdown aligns with broader efforts to disrupt criminal networks.

The British government is taking a tough stance on people smugglers who exploit social media to promote illegal migration services. Under the new legislation, advertisers on platforms facilitating illegal crossings face severe penalties, including five-year prison terms.

The legislation comes amid increasing political and public pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government to reduce the influx of migrants arriving via small boats from France. So far this year, more than 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel into Britain.

Government analysis reveals that 80% of these migrants relied on social media during their journeys to connect with smugglers. By proposing new penalties as part of ongoing legislative measures, the government aims to disrupt the operations of lucrative criminal networks. Recently, a sanctions regime was also introduced, potentially freezing assets and imposing travel bans on those facilitating illegal migration.

(With inputs from agencies.)