The UK government has announced stringent measures against individuals who use social media platforms to advertise services for migrants seeking to enter the country illicitly.

Under a proposed new offense, those found guilty of promoting such services through online channels could face prison sentences of up to five years.

This move is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour administration's efforts to combat the ongoing influx of unauthorized immigrants arriving in Britain by small boats from France.

According to data analyzed by the Interior Ministry, approximately 80% of the migrants who cross the English Channel in this manner rely on social media to connect with or locate people smugglers during their journey.

The government emphasizes that the new legislation aims to empower law enforcement agencies to disrupt the activities of criminal gangs profiting from organizing these crossings.

In a related development, last month, the UK introduced a sanctions regime designed to target individuals and entities involved in facilitating irregular migration by imposing financial restrictions, travel bans, and asset freezes.