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Written question asked by Margaret Mullane (Labour) on Thursday, 26 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 16 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Electronic Government

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions his Department has had with internet search providers on preventing unofficial websites from presenting themselves as government service portals and charging inflated fees for services.

Answer

The Government Digital Service works with a number of external partners, including internet search providers, to help prevent unofficial websites from presenting themselves as government services and charging inflated fees. This includes identifying and removing misleading or imitation sites.

GDS also cooperates with organisations such as the National Cyber Security Centre and Action Fraud to support wider efforts to tackle online scams and misinformation. Responsibility for taking action against websites that imitate or unfairly charge for specific government services primarily sits with the department that owns the relevant service.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124384
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Fees and charges Internet Misrepresentation Electronic government
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk