In Plain English
AI-generatedThis bill would make it a criminal offence to breach the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. It would also include related provisions to support enforcement and other connected aims.
Key Points
- Creates criminal offences for breaches of the PCC Code of Practice.
- Applies to newspapers, magazines, online publishers, journalists and other people or organisations covered by the PCC’s code.
- Includes connected provisions such as definitions of breaches, enforcement mechanisms and possible penalties.
- Marks a shift from voluntary self-regulation to criminal law for press conduct.
- Is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons and would need further scrutiny and votes to become law.
Progress
The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons and would need to pass through further stages (Committee, Report, and Lords) to become law.
Who is affected?
Journalists and editorsNewspaper, magazine and online publishersMedia organisations and press groupsMembers of the public/press readersThe Press Complaints Commission and media regulatorsLegal professionals specialising in media law
Generated 21 February 2026
