As announced in the King’s Speech, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced on 25 February, and contains several measures to update criminal legislation and enhance law enforcement capabilities. Several provisions in the Bill may have potential implications for the tech sector, particularly in areas such as online safety, data access, and fraud prevention.
Key measures impose additional duties on platforms to prevent the sharing of or access to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) content, strengthen restrictions on the sale of knives online; and combat cyber-enabled fraud, including prohibiting the use of electronic devices for car theft and SIM farms.
Summary of Key Parts
Part 2: Offensive Weapons
As trailed by the Home Office, it will create a much more tightly controlled framework for the sale of knives and bladed weapons.
Clause 10 creates a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence.
Clause 11 increases the maximum penalty for offences relating to the sale of offensive weapons from 51 weeks to the general limit in a magistrates’ court.
The Home Office had also announced that a new 2-step system for all online knife retailers would be included in the Bill, whereby a person would need to submit a photo ID and a proof of address to purchase an item, followed by submitting their ID upon delivery. These provisions, however, have not been included in the published Bill.
Additionally, the Home Office has recently consulted on proposals which could make the senior executives of tech companies personally liable when the rules on the sale of knives are broken. The consultation closed in December, with the government currently analysing its findings, which could shape how the Bill evolves.
Part 5: Sexual Offences and Offenders
The Home Office had previously stated that it would outlaw the creation or distribution of AI tools designed to generate CSA material. Chapter 1 expands criminal offences related to child sexual abuse (CSA) to cover digitally produced CSA material.
Within these regulations, there are several provisions focused on:
Clause 36 prohibits the possession, adaptation, or distribution of digital files or models designed to create CSA images, designed to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM), punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Clause 37 extends the offence of possessing ‘paedophile manuals’ to include materials providing guidance on using AI to generate CSA images, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
Clause 38 and Schedule 6 create an offence for administering or moderating electronic services that facilitate the production or distribution of CSAM.
Clause 39 extends the aforementioned offences to UK nationals, residents, or bodies. extends certain offences to UK nationals, residents, and entities for conduct committed outside the UK.
Clause 44 equips border officers with the power to scan an individual’s device at the border, if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is carrying an electronic device storing CSA images.
Part 7: Other Provisions for the Protection of Persons
Clauses 74 and 75 introduce a new broader offence of encouraging or assisting serious self-harm, repealing section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
This provision follows Lord Clement-Jones’ recent motion to regret Ofcom’s category threshold regulations, which, he argued, are focused too much on the size of a platform, rather than risk. He emphasised concerns about small, but high-risk suicide forums, where harmful content can be accessed. This provision could be used to address some of the concerns.
Part 8: Prevention of Theft and Fraud
Part 8 covers a range of devices that could be used to perpetrate crime.
As confirmed in the days before the Bill’s publication, Clauses 78 and 79 create an offence of possessing, importing, making, adapting, supplying or offering to supply an electronic devices for use in vehicle theft
Clauses 80 to 82 and Schedule 10 prohibit SIM farms, which are defined in the Bill as a device which is capable of using five or more SIM cards either simultaneously or interchangeably, to either make telephone calls or send/receive messages.
Clauses 83 to 85 create offences relating to the possession or supply of other electronic communications technologies that can be used to facilitate fraud via electronic communications network and services (with such technologies specified by the Secretary of State).
Part 10: Powers of Police etc
The powers advanced in Part 10 of the Bill are of particular note due to the implications for data privacy. These proposals make provision for expanded police access to the personal information of those suspected of a criminal offence.
Clause 92 and Schedule 12 allows authorities to apply for court orders to block access to internet protocol (IP) addresses and domain names believed to be used for serious crime. These orders can last up to 12 months.
Clauses 93 and 94 give police a new power to enter and search specified premises without a warrant if stolen goods have been electronically tracked to those premises.
Clause 95 enables the Secretary of State to make regulations about access to driver licence information by the police and other law enforcement.
Part 15: Miscellaneous and General
In the final part of the Bill, there are several provisions related to international law enforcement data-sharing agreements.
Clauses 127 to 129 enable the UK and devolved governments to make provisions giving effect to international law enforcement information-sharing agreements, provided they do not contravene data protection legislation.
SIM farms have been noted as a particularly accessible mechanism for people to commit fraud, as they are low-cost devices that do not require ID verification to purchase. As a result, their usage has been one of the most prevalent means of fraudulent activity, accounting for the vast majority of fraudulent texts and calls received by members of the public.
This comes after the previous Government’s 2023 consultation on preventing the use of SIM farms for fraud, where the responses indicated broad support for plans to address the use of SIM farms to perpetrate fraud. Respondents did express concerns that the Government’s definition of SIM farms (devices that can make calls and texts and hold more than four SIM cards at one time) could include certain legitimate uses; it is of note this definition is closely aligned to the current definition in the Bill.
Call to action:
If you have any questions or immediate concerns regarding the content of the Bill, please contact Samiah Anderson ([email protected]), Georgie Morgan ([email protected]), Daniella Bennett Remington ([email protected]).
Daniella Bennett Remington
Policy Manager - Digital Regulation, techUK
Daniella Bennett Remington
Policy Manager - Digital Regulation, techUK
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Head of Justice and Emergency Services | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Georgie Morgan
Head of Justice and Emergency Services | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022. Her portfolio then expanded in January 2024 where she now leads our work across fraud and economic crime.
In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
techUK's Policy and Public Affairs Programme activities
techUK helps our members understand, engage and influence the development of digital and tech policy in the UK and beyond. We support our members to understand some of the most complex and thorny policy questions that confront our sector. Visit the programme page here.
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techUK's annual flagship Policy Conference to bring together senior policymakers from across Westminster, Whitehall and beyond with our membership to discuss the biggest challenges facing the sector and the most pressing topics for the industry.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team as the Team Assistant in February 2023 and as Public Affairs Manager in September 2023
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is the team assistant for the Policy and Public Affairs teams, joining techUK in November of 2023. He assists the teams admistrative support, communication, and event production.
Prior to working at techUK, Oliver studied at Swansea and Bristol universities, attaining a masters in Policy Research. During this time he competed in debating competitions around the country where he discussed and deliberated various policy issues. Between his studies Oliver acted as a student assistant in mental health research for the SMaRteN student network.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from University of Nottingham.
