The growth of the internet has seen a surge in crimes against businesses and individuals. Fraud is now the largest single crime type in the country. At the same time, the internet has also seen growth in Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and grooming. We need to implement the tighter legislation around online platforms and publishers, and to invest in cutting edge technology to track and eradicate on-line and cyber-crime. 

I support the establishment of the new national cyber-crime force and want to see a robust ethical framework for safe use of Artificial Intelligence and biometrics in the pursuit of crime. 

I welcome Essex Police’s Business Crime Strategy, and the establishment of the Eastern Region Cyber Resilience Centre, and will support them in helping keep businesses safe.