Fraud-fighting pledges from Amazon, Google, and other tech giants

Tech giants, including Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Google, Instagram, LinkedIn, Match Group, Microsoft, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, endorsed an online fraud charter in a meeting with Home Secretary James Cleverly. The charter aims to combat fake ads and romance scams, with commitments like swift content and account removal suspected of fraud. Pledges include allowing dating-platform users to interact only with verified identities, protecting users from fraudulent ads, and promptly responding to law-enforcement requests. The companies committed to implementing changes within six months, and the joint fraud taskforce will hold them accountable. The charter complements the Online Safety Act, focusing on targeted action among a group of businesses. Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com welcomed the agreement, emphasising vigilance in ensuring companies fulfil their promises. Victim Support praised the measures against romance fraud, recognising the devastating impact on victims.