14
July
2022
|
12:14
Europe/London

Square Mile police authority: delay to internet safety law is “huge setback” for fraud victims

The Government has announced that the new Online Safety Bill has been put on hold until a new prime minister is in place in the autumn.

 

In reaction, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Police Authority Board, James Thomson, said:

 

“This delay is a huge setback for victims and will lead to even more people being duped by online scammers.

 

“The Online Safety Bill is urgently needed to protect people from becoming victims of online fraud.

 

“It is vital that this Bill becomes law as quickly as possible to protect the public.

 

“We must urgently ensure that social media and technology firms prevent their platforms from being used to commit fraud, and are pro-active in tackling it.”

 

The City Corporation’s Police Authority Board sets policing priorities for the City of London and ensures that the City of London Police runs an effective and efficient service by holding the Commissioner to account.

 

It has been campaigning with the force and a range of industry bodies for fraud and paid-for advertising to be included in the Bill.

 

The City of London Police receives 800,000 reports of fraud every year.

 

It accounts for 40% of all crimes and is of increasing importance nationally, but only receives a fraction - just under 2% - of police resources to tackle it.

 

Fraud is an under-reported crime, and reported losses were around £2.3bn in the last financial year.

 

As well as substantial financial loss, it causes significant harm to victims of crime, many often highly vulnerable, and in many cases that harm is life-changing.

 

ENDS

 

About the City of London Corporation:

 

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk