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Enforcement of the regime

If digital material which requires an imprint is published without one, then both:

  • the promoter of the material
  • anyone else on whose behalf the material is published

may commit an offence. 

Whether it is the police or the Electoral Commission that is initially responsible depends on the purpose of the material in question, rather than who has published it.  

The police will enforce material which relates to:

  • a particular candidate
  • a particular future candidate

The Electoral Commission will enforce material which relates to:

  • political parties
  • categories of parties, candidates and/or future candidates including categories based on:
    • their support for or against particular policies
    • their holding particular opinions
    • any other reason

Where there is uncertainty in a particular case as to which body is responsible for enforcement, this will be resolved between the enforcement bodies on a case by case basis.

The Electoral Commission will regulate digital imprints in line with our enforcement policy.

Last updated: 19 August 2025