2023-12-22
It's not often that I approve of some criminal measure or other that our Government proposes, but I make an exception for these aspects of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which introduces a new offence of failure to prevent fraud.
It also introduces some measures designed to protect against vexatious litigation (by those with deep pockets) intended to silence criticism or investigative journalism (by those with shallow pockets), AKA Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
Whilst it's unclear how well such measures will work (if at all) in practice, it does at least establish a new direction of travel, and is aimed squarely at institutions (including corporates, charities, and other public bodies).
Something to be aware of, and perhaps to keep an eye on.
