Ministers face growing calls to intensify enforcement against the rampant online drug trade as MPs express concern over young people’s exposure to harmful substances and perceived regulatory inaction.
During a House of Commons debate on November 12, Bath’s Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse highlighted the alarming rise of drug dealers operating openly on social media platforms. She criticized Ofcom for not fully exercising its authority under the Online Safety Act 2023 to clamp down on this issue.
Hobhouse, who has collaborated with the University of Bath to raise awareness of the dangers of spice-laced vapes in schools, urged the government to hold social media companies accountable. She stressed the urgent need to protect children from serious harm facilitated by online drug promotion and sales.
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“We are increasingly frustrated that Ofcom does not use its power under the Online Safety Act to hold social media companies to account,” Hobhouse said. “Will the Minister meet me to discuss ensuring that young people are kept safe online?”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Kanishka Narayan responded by affirming that the government is taking firm action against drug trafficking both on and offline. He emphasized Ofcom’s legal obligations to enforce these regulations.
“There is now a strong new duty under the Online Safety Act to prevent illegal activity, including drug dealing. Ofcom has a duty to enforce it,” Narayan said. “We will continue to ensure it has full support.”
Narayan agreed to meet Hobhouse to explore ways to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Labour MP Chris Vince of Harlow also voiced concerns about social media’s role in glamorizing drug use, especially through short videos that mask the real consequences. He urged ministers to promote responsible messaging online.
“The glamorization of drug use on TV is longstanding, but the internet and social media pose distinct challenges,” Vince remarked. “What steps can be taken to use these platforms positively to educate young people about drug risks?”
Narayan acknowledged Vince’s points and committed to working alongside him to leverage social media for awareness campaigns while robustly enforcing Ofcom’s duties.