Social Media (Access to Accounts) Bill: Second Reading

This private members' bill would require social media platforms to grant law enforcement and child safety authorities access to user accounts during investigations into child sexual abuse and exploitation. The bill aims to close a gap where platforms' encryption and privacy protections currently prevent investigators from accessing evidence held in private messages and accounts, even with legal authority. The tension is between child protection and user privacy.

The bill affects every social media user in the UK and will shape how platforms balance privacy rights against law enforcement investigative powers. It has direct implications for child safeguarding outcomes and for the legal framework governing tech companies' relationship with police and regulators.