The Online Safety Bill, which will protect vulnerable social media users from harmful and illegal content, will come into force later this year after the legislation was passed in the House of Lords on Tuesday 19 September.
Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, said: “I welcome the long-awaited Online Safety Bill becoming law, with this the latest step forward to fighting online crime and the harm caused by criminals.
“As part of my Safer West Mercia Plan, I am committed to putting victims and survivors of crime first, including the often-vulnerable online community which is made up of a high percentage of children and young people.
“It’s brilliant news for communities across West Mercia to see the bill becoming law, helping to keep the public safe online by cracking down on harmful and illegal content. It is an area of society where law and law enforcement hasn’t kept up to date with technological advances so I am pleased action is being taken to resolve this.
“I want to ensure no one becomes a victim of crime and I am assured the Online Safety Bill is a massive step forward to keep the public safe on the internet. I will continue to use my powers to ensure West Mercia Police has the tools and resources needed to implement the legislation around the new law.”