Social Media Platforms (Ofcom Licensing) Bill [HL] 2026-27

require social media companies operating in the United Kingdom to obtain a licence from Ofcom; to empower Ofcom to set and enforce binding conditions on licensed operators; and for connected purposes.

Private Members' Bill (Starting in the House of Lords)

What is this Bill?

The Social Media Platforms (Ofcom Licensing) Bill [HL] is a Lords Private Members' Bill tabled by Baroness Benjamin.

Is this Bill currently before Parliament?

Yes. This Bill was introduced on 07 September 2026 and is currently before Parliament.

Whose idea is this Bill?

As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an Member of the House of Lords (Baroness Benjamin), not the Government.

What type of Bill is this?

Lords Private Members' Bills can be tabled by any member, at any time during the Session. A number of Lords may win ballot slots to receive precedence in the Lords.

So is this going to become a law?

Lords PMBs are extremely unlikely to become law. Unless the Bill receives unanimous support from MPs and can pass 2nd Reading in the Commons without debate, it will not proceed further in the Bill process.

Would you like to know more?

See these Glossary articles for more information: Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill

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