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Lord Leong (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 15 September 2025

Debate

Online Safety Act 2023: Virtual Private Networks

Contribution

My Lords, Ofcom has clear enforcement powers against platforms that fail to implement highly effective age assurance. This includes issuing fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, whichever is greater. Ofcom is already using these powers, with investigations opened into at least 47 sites and apps that are suspected of non-compliance. I will provide the noble Baroness the figures. On false communication offences, Ofcom has proceeded against 17 cases, of which 14 were convicted and sentenced. On the offence of threatening communication, Ofcom has taken action in 462 cases, of which 294 were convicted and 239 were sentenced. Platforms have legal duties under the Online Safety Act. If they fall short, particularly in protecting children, they will face serious consequences. We will not allow safety standards to be ignored.

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