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Clampdown on social media ads for Channel crossings unveiled

The UK government plans to introduce a new offence criminalising online promotion of dangerous Channel crossings, potentially punishable by up to five years in prison and fines.
This initiative responds to a record 25,436 migrants making the risky crossing in 2025, a 51% increase from last year, amid growing use of social media by people-smuggling gangs.
The proposed legislation includes an amendment to a bill currently before Parliament, introducing a UK-wide offence aimed at dismantling organised crime by targeting online content that advertises illegal travel routes, counterfeit identification documents, or promises of unlawful employment opportunities.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned selling false hopes of safe UK journeys as immoral, while the National Crime Agency removed over 22,000 related social media posts since 2021, including 8,000 in 2024 alone.
The new offence could strengthen law enforcement efforts, allowing prosecutions to better disrupt smuggling gangs' business models and reduce dangerous crossings despite recent agreements with France to return arrivals.

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Deutsche Welle

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UK: Social media people smugglers to face jail

The British government is looking to pass new legislation to clamp down on people smugglers who use social media to promote their services, including English Channel crossings, fake documentation and accomodation.

6 hours ago·Bonn, Germany

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Reuters

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UK threatens jail for people smugglers who advertise on social media

People smugglers who use social media to promote their services to migrants seeking to enter Britain illegally could face five years in prison under plans announced by the government.

11 hours ago·United Kingdom

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