Online access to banned drugs
Accessibility of banned dangerous drugs (e.g., Dinitrophenol) online and the influence of social media in promoting their use.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 4 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
70 PFD reports
20 committee recs
1 patient safety alert
1 LGO/SPSO decision
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(70)— showing 50 strongest matches
Christopher Scott
Concerns: The coroner identified that AMT, a 'legal high', is readily available for purchase online and in the community, and has been linked to several deaths due to its deadly effects.
Overdue
Luke Jacob Goodwin
Concerns: Large helium canisters are readily available to the public without sales restrictions or control valves to limit gas release. The coroner also identified readily available online information that provides detailed guidance on how to commit suicide and links to purchase relevant products.
Overdue
Hazel Polkinghorn
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about the ease with which individuals can acquire dangerous non-prescribed medication from websites, noting a lack of central government steps to screen and close down such sites.
Overdue
Victoria Meppen-Walter
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding the availability and regulation of chloroquine, noting the associated risk of misuse.
Overdue
David Giles
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding the unrestricted sale of helium gas canisters to the public, noting they are standard sizes with sizable volumes and lack modified control valves. Easy availability of detailed online guidance for suicide by helium inhalation was also highlighted.
Response (Department of Health): • The Department of Health provided a copy of its previous response to a Regulation 28 report concerning the death of Matthew Satterthwaite. • The Department stated that the information … (AI summary)
Responded
Matthew Flatman
Concerns: The process of proscribing MDAI (Gogaine), a "legal high" known to pose a fatal risk, particularly to individuals with cardiac problems, is moving slowly and its proscription should be accelerated.
Overdue
Samuel Duckworth
Concerns: The coroner identified concerns regarding the ease with which vulnerable individuals can purchase prescription-only drugs online without medical supervision, posing a risk to their health.
Response (Home Office): • The Government and law enforcement agencies work with internet providers to ensure compliance with the law, including the closure of UK-based websites committing offences. • The National Crime Agency, … (AI summary)
Responded
Jason Houghton
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the unregulated supply of Class A drugs, specifically Diacetyl Morphine in pill form, through internet sources and its importation via international postal systems, noting a lack of oversight.
Response (Home Office): • The MHRA examined a specific website and liaised with the internet service provider to close it down. • Law enforcement agencies routinely monitor controlled drugs offered for sale online … (AI summary)
Responded
Anthony Garrett
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns regarding the ready availability and legal sale of synthetic cannabinoids, marketed as herbal incense but misused, noting they are dangerous and potentially life-threatening. A review of their status and control is requested.
Overdue
Thaker Hafid
Concerns: The coroner noted the high potency and toxicity of Acetylfentanyl, an unlicensed opioid analgesic drug available legally over the internet, and expressed concern that its free availability could lead to further deaths.
Overdue
Jacques Lakeman and Torin Lakeman
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about the ease with which illicit and unregulated drugs are obtained via the "Dark Web," noting the anonymity of suppliers, unknown drug content, and the lack of regulation for internet drug supply and postal delivery.
Response (Home Office): • The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police routinely monitor online drug sales, taking action with industry partners to close illegal websites and using powers to act against suppliers. • … (AI summary)
Responded
Catherine Findlay
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the free availability and misuse of dangerous "research chemicals" like MXP, which are sold over the internet yet are not controlled substances. A review of MXP's status and control was requested to prevent future deaths.
Response: • The Psychoactive Substances Bill was introduced to ban the sale, supply, production, and distribution of psychoactive substances for human consumption, including MXP. • A comprehensive action plan on New … (AI summary)
Overdue
Arenijus Nedzelskies
Concerns: Concerns included that 5F AKB-48 and SF PB-22 are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and that the deceased had not reported his chronic misuse of cannabinoid receptor agonists to the DVLA.
Response (Home Office): • The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 received Royal Assent, restricting the production, supply, and importation of psychoactive substances. • The government banned over 500 new drugs and established a Forensic … (AI summary)
Overdue
Elvis Snelson
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the dangers of acetylfentanyl, a highly potent opioid sold as a 'legal high', noting that users may be unaware they have consumed an opioid with toxic effects like sedation and respiratory depression.
Overdue
Darren Mindham
Concerns: The coroner noted that Pentobarbital, a drug commonly used in suicides, is classified under Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, which has less strict controls than Schedule 2, impacting access.
Response (Department of Health): • The Department of Health advised the coroner to redirect the Regulation 28 letter concerning Pentobarbital classification to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Secretariat. • The … (AI summary)
Responded
Lee Davies
Concerns: Hostel staff lacked specific training on monitoring and safeguarding residents found appearing to have taken illicit drugs, with existing training not covering ongoing observation after a resident is put to bed.
Response (The Wallich): • The Wallich completed a review of its policy and guidance for working with users. • Frontline hostel staff will receive instruction and guidance on dealing with overdose. • The … (AI summary)
Responded
Anna Phillips
Concerns: The coroner notes the ease with which an unlicensed and fatal weight loss drug (2,4 Dinitrophenol) could be obtained online from Turkey and delivered via Royal Mail.
Response (Food Standard Agency): • The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) submitted 31 abuse complaints to domain name registrars, resulting in 21 domain names being suspended. • The NFCU engaged with a major online … (AI summary)
Responded
Jane Powell
Concerns: The coroner identified the ease of acquiring large amounts of prescription-only medication online and noted insufficient clarity on actions being taken to address this, posing a significant risk of future deaths.
Response (Department of Health): • The Department of Health outlined existing legal controls and guidance for online medicine sales, including the General Pharmaceutical Council's (GPhC) Internet Pharmacy Logo and the Medicines and Healthcare products … (AI summary)
Overdue
Bethany Shipsey
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the extreme toxicity of DNP, its increasing popularity among young people as a 'diet drug', and its ready availability online, noting that current legislation does not make its possession, sale, or supply illegal.
Response (Department of Health): • The Food Standards Agency's National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) launched Operation Broguish in April 2015, which involved submitting abuse complaints to domain registrars, leading to 21 domain name suspensions, … (AI summary)
Responded
Jennifer Lacey
Concerns: The coroner noted concerns regarding the free online availability of dangerous and addictive drugs, which can be prescribed without contact with a patient's regular doctor or access to their medical records, and potentially filled in UK pharmacies without further checks.
Response (NHS England): • NHS England and the CQC held a workshop in April 2017 to identify challenges in online prescribing and established a UK-wide forum to review the regulatory landscape. • The … (AI summary)
Overdue
Kristiyan Danailov
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns regarding insufficient identity checks for customers purchasing hazardous items online, noting a lack of obstacles to prevent vulnerable individuals from acquiring them. The report also questioned the industry's awareness of potential risks in internet sales.
Overdue
Imran Mahmood
Concerns: Concerns were identified regarding the potential for e-cigarette heating coils in prison to be misused for drug preparation and to start fires. The coroner questioned if e-cigarettes for prison use could be manufactured with sealed heating components.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Services): • HM Prison and Probation Service is considering alternative vape devices, including a new device that uses vapourless valve technology. • It stated it would make a suitable alternative device … (AI summary)
Responded
Deborah Headspeath
Concerns: The coroner identified the absence of a single database for prescription-only medication, which hinders clinicians from identifying previous prescriptions. Concerns also include online prescribers avoiding CQC regulation and new pharmaceutical guidance being advisory rather than mandatory.
Response (The Department of Health and Social Care): • A UK-wide regulatory forum was established, leading to the agreement of principles for good practice in remote prescribing and the publication of revised guidance for pharmacist prescribers. • The … (AI summary)
Responded
Gemma Macdonald
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding the online availability of large quantities of medication, noting a lack of systems to verify purchaser suitability or limit transaction amounts and frequency.
Response (the Department of Health and Social Care): • Healthcare regulators co-authored principles for good practice in remote consultations and prescribing, and the General Pharmaceutical Council published revised guidance for pharmacist prescribers. • The Care Quality Commission inspected … (AI summary)
Overdue
Jerrelle McKenzie
Concerns: The coroner noted the deceased consumed Dinitrophenol (DNP), a drug banned since 1938, which was likely accessed via the internet due to social media influence for body image improvement.
Overdue
Valdotas Gerbutavicius
Concerns: The coroner noted a significant number of deaths from DNP toxicity, particularly affecting young individuals. Concerns were raised that current legislation is considered inadequate to prevent its sale, and it remains readily available online without sufficient internet protections.
Overdue
Jason Thompson
Concerns: The coroner noted concerns that a website may be promoting a method of suicide, potentially assisting suicide, and that a lethal substance is freely available online, sold as a meat preservative.
Response (Metalchem Ltd): • Metalchem Ltd confirmed it no longer sells Sodium Nitrite on eBay and withdrew its listing in April 2020. • Metalchem Ltd contacted the Home Office Protect team regarding sales … (AI summary)
Response (Ebay UK Ltd): • eBay prohibited the global sale of sodium nitrite as a chemical in 2019 and updated its policies and filters. • Following the coroner's letter, eBay identified the specific listing, … (AI summary)
Response (Dept. of Health Social Care): • The Home Office has produced guidance for businesses on the sale of reportable poisons and engages with suppliers to help them meet requirements under the Poisons Act. • The … (AI summary)
Responded
Lee Elliott
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about websites advocating methods of taking one's life, including advice on using prescription medications, and the easy online availability of toxic substances without safeguards.
Response (Dept of Health and Social Care): • The Department stated it continues to implement the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England and the Cross-Government Suicide Prevention Workplan, which includes actions to reduce access to means of suicide. … (AI summary)
Responded
Linda Gillchrest
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns that an e-book detailing how to end a life and lethal quantities of a substance are both available for unrestricted online purchase, noting a lack of protection for vulnerable individuals making these purchases.
Response (Dept of Health and Social Care): • The government continues to implement the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England and the Cross-Government Suicide Prevention Workplan, which includes actions to reduce access to means of suicide, including harmful … (AI summary)
Overdue
Jamie O’Connor
Concerns: The coroner identified gaps in online prescribing, including no central tracking system for dispensed medications, a lack of mandatory GP notification, and insufficient face-to-face consultations. Concerns also noted easily manipulated patient questionnaires and limited regulation.
Response (GMC): • The GMC updated its guidance for doctors on prescribing in February 2021, which places greater emphasis on following good practice principles regardless of the consultation medium. • The updated … (AI summary)
Response (GPC): • The GPC published updated guidance in April 2019 for registered pharmacies providing online services, which includes safeguards for the supply of medicines. • The GPC has taken enforcement action … (AI summary)
Response (CQC): • The CQC routinely checks the management of medicines, prescriptions, consent, and information sharing during inspections of online primary care providers. • The CQC has published guidance for online providers … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department undertook a review of the UK's legislative position on digital healthcare provision, identifying gaps related to inappropriate prescribing and a lack of GP checks. • The Department … (AI summary)
Overdue
Jack Ritchie
Concerns: The coroner noted insufficient regulation, warnings, and information to prevent gambling by an addicted individual. Concerns were also raised about inadequate treatment options due to a lack of training for medical professionals, particularly GPs, and insufficient education for young people on gambling harms.
Overdue
James Forryan
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the easy accessibility of websites and forums that openly promote suicide methods, noting insufficient regulation and enforcement action against such platforms.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Government confirmed that the Online Safety Bill will require in-scope companies to remove illegal content, including that which encourages or incites suicide, and will list encouraging or assisting … (AI summary)
Responded
Edward Capovila
Concerns: The coroner noted relatively little information is available about more unusual ways fentanyl can be misused or abused, raising concern about future deaths if action is not taken.
Response (Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency): • The MHRA issued a drug safety bulletin in December 2014 warning healthcare professionals and patients of the risk of overdose and death with fentanyl patch exposure to increased heat. … (AI summary)
Responded
Neha Raju
Concerns: The coroner noted that a lethal substance is freely available online in the UK in lethal quantities, and there is no protection for vulnerable people making such purchases.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department noted the introduction of the Online Safety Bill, which includes duties for companies to protect users from harmful content, including the promotion of self-harm and suicide. • … (AI summary)
Responded
Gary Cooper
Concerns: The death of an individual with depression and psychosis by suicide highlights potential concerns regarding the adequacy of mental health support and intervention.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department stated that the Home Office regularly engages with suppliers regarding substances under The Poisons Act 1972 and that an emerging methods working group monitors online forums and … (AI summary)
Responded
Ania Sohail
Concerns: Concerns included a lack of integrated systems for online pharmacies, enabling excessive medication and limiting GP information sharing, alongside inaccurate mental health care plans, insufficient staff training, and inadequate observation documentation on the ward.
Response (Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust): • The Trust replaced the previous Recovery and Discharge Plan with the Acute Triage and Assessment Care Plan (ATAC) and delivered training on capacity, consent, and the ATAC document. • … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department noted that the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust was placed into the national Recovery Support Programme and that Griffin Ward has been closed following an … (AI summary)
Responded
Chloe Macdermott
Concerns: The coroner identified an online forum that encourages suicide, shares methods, and lacks age restrictions, content moderation, and prevention signposting. Further concerns related to the unregulated online availability and delivery of a specific product to the UK.
Response (Amazon UK): • Amazon's UK Store prohibits the sale of high concentration sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite mixtures/substances, in accordance with the UK Poisons Act 1972. • Since October 2022, Amazon has … (AI summary)
Response (Ofcom): • Ofcom has published a consultation on protecting people from illegal harms online, including draft Codes of Practice and guidance for identifying illegal suicide and self-harm content. • Ofcom has … (AI summary)
Response (British Transport Police): • The NPCC Suicide Prevention Steering Group has raised awareness and informed responses across policing regarding the use of Sodium Nitrate and Nitrite, and supported a National Crime Agency investigation … (AI summary)
Response (Google UK & Ireland): • Google Search applies algorithms to demote low-quality pro-suicide forums in search results and promotes authoritative resources. • Google Search has implemented 'OneBoxes' with Samaritans to provide prominent access to … (AI summary)
Response (DSIT): • The Online Safety Act has received Royal Assent, establishing a regulatory framework for online safety. • The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is working with Ofcom to implement … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department leads a cross-government and cross-sector group that has identified over 30 live actions to tackle emerging methods of suicide, including reducing access to methods and online content. … (AI summary)
Overdue
Kimberley Liu
Concerns: Unregulated websites are selling prescription-only medications without requiring prescriptions, enabling repeat orders, and potentially exploiting vulnerable individuals with addictions. There is also concern these sites could provide means for self-harm.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) operates a Criminal Enforcement Unit to monitor online channels, investigate illegal activity, and remove illegally trading websites. • The Online Safety … (AI summary)
Responded
Adrian Gallagher
Concerns: The coroner identified concerns regarding an online guide providing step-by-step instructions on how to end one's life, including methods to avoid coroner referral, and the availability of associated drugs. The guide has minimal age and ID checks before purchase, making it accessible to vulnerable individuals, despite being banned in some countries.
Response (National Crime Agency): • The National Crime Agency has engaged with Ofcom to scope out how they can work together to combat illegal suicide content online. (AI summary)
Response (Department for Science Innovation and Techonology): • The Online Safety Act, which received Royal Assent in October last year, will require in-scope user-to-user services to prevent exposure to illegal suicide and self-harm content once its duties … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • Officials are continuing to engage with police and suicide prevention charities to revisit discussions with online marketplaces concerning harmful publications. • A cross-sector, cross-government working group has implemented over … (AI summary)
Responded
William Helstrip
Concerns: The initial police investigation did not adequately consider information about the deceased's drug sourcing via the "Dark Web" and Royal Mail, resulting in a delayed investigation and the loss of critical time-sensitive evidence.
Response (Humberside Police): • Humberside Police appointed a Senior Investigating Officer to conduct a full investigation review. • The Force committed to implementing five learning recommendations, including creating an intranet resource, refreshing training … (AI summary)
Responded
Guy Scotchford
Concerns: The coroner noted an active website providing downloadable step-by-step instructions and a direct link to a company supplying materials for ending one's life, accessible to anyone online.
Response (National Crime Agency): • The National Crime Agency has engaged with Ofcom to scope out how they can work together to combat suicide content online. (AI summary)
Response (Department for Science Innovation Technology): • The Online Safety Act (OSA) has established duties for online services to prevent users from encountering priority illegal content, including content encouraging suicide, with these duties coming into effect … (AI summary)
Responded
Mary Jones
Concerns: The coroner expresses concern about the ready availability and expedited delivery of a "well known suicide book" on Amazon.co.uk. The report notes Amazon's continued sale despite displaying warnings regarding the book's potential to increase the effectiveness of suicide attempts.
Response (Amazon): • Amazon reviewed the book referenced in the report against its content guidelines. • Amazon decided not to remove the book from sale. • Amazon displays a banner on the … (AI summary)
Responded
Deborah Cooper
Concerns: The coroner expressed concern about the free availability and marketing on Amazon.co.uk of books providing clear instructions on how an individual might end their life, noting the lack of regulation for such publications.
Response (Amazon): • Amazon reviewed the books referenced in the report against its content guidelines. • Amazon decided not to remove the books from sale. • Amazon displays a banner on relevant … (AI summary)
Response (Department for Business and Trade): • The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 received Royal Assent in May 2024. (AI summary)
Responded
Jonathan Shaw
Concerns: UK Border Force lacks legal powers to seize certain consignments for ending life, with holding limited to 30 days. There is no national guidance or joint protocols for police and Border Force on managing these, or for alerting local police.
Response (Home Office): • The Home Office is exploring legislative and policy options for the control of substances, working with other government departments. • Border Force is developing national guidance for managing suspicious … (AI summary)
Overdue
Nigel Dixon
Concerns: The coroner noted concerns regarding the online sale of prescription drugs, specifically Zopiclone, in quantities and doses exceeding medical prescriptions, which increases the risk of overdose and complicates safe prescribing.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has undertaken criminal investigations, made arrests, and implemented measures to delist and block illicit online medicine suppliers. • The Online Safety … (AI summary)
Overdue
Deborah Cooper
Concerns: The coroner notes two legislative issues regarding publications instructing on ending life: the Suicide Act penalty does not apply to companies, and the Online Safety Act does not cover products directly sold by Amazon UK.
Response (Science Innovation and Technology): • The department stated that under the Online Safety Act, regulated search services must minimise the risk of children encountering content that encourages or provides instructions for suicide or self-harm. … (AI summary)
Responded
Bethany Langton
Concerns: Unchecked online availability of lethal Sodium Nitrite, a lack of awareness among suppliers about its misuse, and the presence of online guidance on its use for suicide without adequate removal systems.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department of Health and Social Care leads an emerging methods working group to reduce public access to substances such as Sodium Nitrite. • The working group has collaborated … (AI summary)
Overdue
Hannah Aitken
Concerns: The coroner noted a lack of central monitoring for poisoning incidents involving certain substances, which are increasingly used for self-harm. There are no restrictions on importing these substances, and no government department appears to be actively considering regulating their access, purity, or quantities sold to mitigate risks.
Response (Department of Health and Social Care): • The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) published the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England in 2023 and leads a Concerning Methods Working Group, which has implemented over 30 … (AI summary)
Response (Home Office): • The Poisons Act was amended in October 2023 to strengthen controls and enhance suspicious activity reporting requirements for listed substances. • The Home Office has engaged with online platforms … (AI summary)
Responded
Miranda Avanzi
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about the ready availability of detailed online guides providing instructions for individuals to end their lives, noting that these are easily accessible through search engines and often lack age verification.
Response (DSIT): • The Online Safety Act 2023, which gained Royal Assent in October 2023, includes provisions to address illegal and legal forms of online suicide content. • The Act introduces duties … (AI summary)
Response (Ofcom): • Ofcom will enforce the duties under the Online Safety Act 2023, which become enforceable from March 2025 for illegal harms and July 2025 for children's safety. • Ofcom will … (AI summary)
Responded
John Ellis
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns about the lack of adequate controls preventing the misuse of potentially lethal drugs by veterinary surgeons. The deceased easily obtained a Schedule 3 Controlled Drug without verification or scrutiny from former employers.
Response (Veterinary Medicines Directorate): • The VMD provides guidance on the use and storage of veterinary controlled drugs and includes a link to the Vetlife website in inspection reports. • The VMD is producing … (AI summary)
Response (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons): • RCVS committees will consider additional Practice Standards Scheme requirements for individualised suicide prevention plans. • The RCVS Standards Committee will review legislative requirements for Schedule 2 controlled drugs and … (AI summary)
Responded
Select committee recommendations(20)
#15 — Ofcom will use engagement-first approach for non-compliance, resorting to enforcement for serious risks.
Recommendation: Ofcom explained that, where non-compliance issues arise, it will approach services with an engagement-first attitude and would not normally move straight to enforcement. It described a recent example of its engagement with an overseas-based website about how to commit suicide.29 …
Response attribution not verified
#166 — Take urgent steps to address the evolving threat of New Psychoactive Substances in prisons.
Recommendation: Given the extreme potency and low lethal dose of substances such as Nitazenes and Fentanyl, the circulation of these drugs in prisons leads to a high risk of drug-related deaths and overdoses, as tragically seen at HMP Parc. The MoJ …
Response attribution not verified
#165 — Significant shift towards undetected New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in prisons.
Recommendation: We are deeply concerned by the significant shift towards the use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), most notably synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids. Their popularity is due to their affordability, accessibility and their potency. In turning to these drugs, prisoners …
Response attribution not verified
#5 — Require the Gambling Commission to set out plans to improve black market monitoring
Recommendation: While the black market is a risk the Government and Gambling Commission must be mindful of, it should not deter appropriate regulation of the licensed sector. The debate about the threat posed by the black market partly stems from a …
Response attribution not verified
#4 — Address unlicensed gambling sites targeting self-excluded users through new legislative powers.
Recommendation: We consider that while it will be important to monitor the size of the black market in response to greater regulation, more pertinent is the fact that, right now, a number of easily-accessible illegal sites are targeting some of those …
Response attribution not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: We are highly concerned that a compressed festival season, the likely circulation of high-strength, adulterated drugs and increased risk-taking after lockdown will lead to a spike in drug-related deaths at festivals this summer. We heard compelling 34 The future of …
Response attribution not verified
#29 — Utilise existing legislation to investigate and hold accountable websites facilitating sexual exploitation trafficking.
Recommendation: Until new legislation is introduced prohibiting profiting from or enabling the prostitution of another person, law enforcement should utilise all available legislation to investigate and hold accountable websites that facilitate trafficking for sexual exploitation. This includes legislation prohibiting companies from …
Response attribution not verified
#28 — Implement all measures to tackle online sexual exploitation trafficking, including targeting money laundering.
Recommendation: The Home Office and law enforcement should be taking all measures possible to tackle trafficking for sexual exploitation online, so that it is no longer so easy or profitable for perpetrators to make money from sexual exploitation, including by ‘following …
Response attribution not verified
#27 — Extend legislation to prohibit individuals or companies enabling or profiting from another's online prostitution.
Recommendation: Legislation which bans third party profit-taking from the prostitution of another person should be extended to prohibit any individual or company from enabling and/ or profiting from the prostitution of another person, including facilitation that takes place via online, digital …
Response attribution not verified
#26 — Websites advertising prostitution facilitate sexual exploitation; collaboration with them is inexplicable and ineffective.
Recommendation: Websites advertising prostitution significantly facilitate trafficking for sexual exploitation. The threat posed by websites advertising prostitution, the continuing failure of their owners to implement even the most basic safeguards against pimping and trafficking, and the sheer scale of trafficking for …
Response attribution not verified
#13 —
Recommendation: We recommend that, before festivals take place this summer, the Home Secretary should make regulations under section 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that allow organisations conducting drug checking to operate lawfully. Thereafter, the Government should introduce a …
Response attribution not verified
#30 — Enforce Online Safety Act against prostitution websites enabling multiple adverts, lacking identity verification.
Recommendation: In order to enforce the provisions in the Online Safety Act requiring websites to take action against trafficking occurring on their sites, Ofcom should take immediate and full enforcement action against any website advertising prostitution that enables the same phone …
Response attribution not verified
#25 — Establish technology company responsibility for proactively tackling online human trafficking with penalties.
Recommendation: Ofcom should set out in its codes of practice the responsibility of technology companies for proactively identifying and tackling human trafficking on their online platforms, with significant penalties imposed for non-compliance with their statutory duties.
Response attribution not verified
#25 — Consult on additional smartphone measures for children under 16, including bans and controls
Recommendation: The next Government should work alongside Ofcom to consult on additional measures regarding smartphones for children under 16 years old within the first year of the new Parliament. Measures to consider should include the total ban of smartphones (internet-enabled phones) …
Response attribution not verified
#24 — Children are exposed to online harms through smartphone and social media use
Recommendation: It is clear that children are exposed to online harms when using smart phones to access the internet and, in particular, social media platforms. We support calls for tighter controls on the sale of smart phones to children under 16 …
Response attribution not verified
#23 — Apply Online Safety Act penalties to social media companies breaching age verification requirements
Recommendation: Decisions made by the Government on the level of the digital age of consent must be effectively enforced. Ofcom must need to be able to go further than simply naming and shaming those who breach age verification measures. The Online …
Response attribution not verified
#22 — Launch cross-government consultation on raising the digital age of consent to 16
Recommendation: The next Government must launch a consultation by the end of the year on whether 13 is a reasonable age of digital consent, or whether it should be raised. The next Government should recommend 16 as a more appropriate age. …
Response attribution not verified
#21 — Implement robust age verification on social media platforms and urgently debate digital age of consent.
Recommendation: Although we welcome attempts by Ofcom to make platforms safer for children who use them, it is clear that the entire system surrounding the digital age of consent and how it is verified is not fit for purpose. Until there …
Response attribution not verified
#20 — Expedite Online Safety Act implementation with Ofcom and implement robust age verification on platforms.
Recommendation: The next Government must work with Ofcom to ensure that there are no delays to implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 and set out how it is working with Ofcom to ensure children are protected during the transition period. …
Response attribution not verified
#19 — Children's full protection under the Online Safety Act is delayed until 2026 implementation.
Recommendation: The Online Safety Act 2023 will undoubtably play a role in keeping children safe from online harms. However, we are concerned that children will not feel the full protections of the Act until implementation is completed in 2026.
Response attribution not verified