Public Sector Website Impersonation Bill

A Bill to create the offence of impersonating a public sector website for the purpose of collecting payment or personal data; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

2 November 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill creates a new crime: impersonating a public sector website in order to collect money or obtain personal data. It targets scams that imitate official online services and aims to deter criminals who pose as government or public bodies online. If someone pretends to be a public sector site to trick people, they could face criminal penalties.

Key Points

Creates a new offence of impersonating a public sector website.
Applies when the impersonation is for the purpose of collecting payment or personal data.
Covers impersonation of public sector websites across government, local authorities, NHS and other public bodies.
Includes connected provisions to support enforcement and related penalties.
Status: currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons.

Progress

The Bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it will move to committee stage for detailed examination and then onward through the parliamentary process.

Who is affected?

Members of the public who use online public servicesPublic sector bodies (central and local government, NHS, schools, etc.)Organizations that develop, host or maintain public sector websitesBanks and payment providers involved in public sector paymentsLaw enforcement and regulators responsible for fraud prevention and cyber security

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Public Sector Website Impersonation Bill

23 Oct 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 127 2022-23 (as introduced)

BillCommons

5 Sept 2022

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Public Sector Website Impersonation Bill | TrackPolitics