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Written question asked by Tim Roca (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Locks and Keys: Advertising

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps with (a) Google UK and (b) other search engines to help tackle advertisements by fraudulent locksmiths.

Answer

Online platforms must comply with The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act which prohibits unfair trading, including misleading omissions and actions. The Act clarifies that online platforms must exercise professional diligence in relation to consumer transactions promoted or made on their platforms. The legislation carries criminal penalties and is enforced by Trading Standards officers.

The Government encourages consumers to use providers that operate under a regulated trusted trader scheme, such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), which has a Police Crime Prevention-approved licensing scheme in place to ensure approved locksmiths are appropriately vetted, inspected and qualified.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
85597
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Advertising Fraud Internet Google Locks and keys
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk