The UK government is set to introduce stringent new rules requiring convicted sex offenders to hand over details of their social media and dating app accounts to the police. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the plans, stating the government will "use the full power of the state" to clamp down on online predators and curb a surge in targeted attacks facilitated by websites.
Closing the Online Loophole
Under the forthcoming regulations, which will amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 via secondary legislation, over 70,000 registered sex offenders in England and Wales will be legally compelled to inform authorities if they create new online profiles or change jobs. This move directly addresses a critical gap, as police have historically had no formal means to track the online activities of known offenders.
National Crime Agency statistics reveal a stark picture: nearly one in five victims of sexual offences by strangers are now targeted online. The new measures aim to disrupt this pattern by giving law enforcement the tools for enhanced monitoring and surveillance.
Enforcement and Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to declare online accounts will become a criminal offence, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years. The information provided will allow police to assess the risk of reoffending. If an offender's online behaviour is deemed high-risk, officers can apply for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to restrict their internet access, including banning specific social media and dating profiles.
Offenders will also be required to provide more personal information to police and preserve their internet history to prove compliance with any restrictions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to be unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which aims to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Broader Strategy and Support for Victims
The online crackdown is supported by a new team of specialist officers, backed by nearly £2 million in funding, who will use covert techniques to target the digital activity of sex offenders and stalkers. Andrea Simon, Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, welcomed the move but urged the government to make guidance for tech platforms mandatory with "strong consequences" for violations.
In parallel, the government announced significant changes to support services. A new £50 million investment will expand the "child house" model of care for young victims of sexual abuse across all NHS regions in England. Furthermore, a new initiative called Steps to Safety will ensure referral services for victims are available in every area of England by 2029, connecting them to specialist help via their GP.
These announcements come as survivor organisations submitted a super-complaint against police forces over "inhumane" delays in investigating sexual offences, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform.
