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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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Frankfurter Allgemeine

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UK: Social media people smugglers to face jail

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Channel 4

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Reuters

+4 Reposted by 4 other sources

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UK threatens jail for people smugglers who advertise on social media

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