Many of these same foreign billionaires own the platforms that shape our online conversations—think YouTube, Meta (Facebook), or Starlink. These tech giants don’t just have the cash to fund campaigns; they also have the power to amplify specific messages, tilt algorithms, or even silence voices altogether. We’ve already seen the global impact of tech moguls weighing in on conflicts and elections from Ukraine to Germany.

The result? A double threat to our democracy. Not only can wealthy overseas interests donate—through UK subsidiaries—but they can also dominate the flow of information that voters see in their feeds. That’s unfair to British voters, and it undercuts the core idea that people here, not faceless companies abroad, should decide our political future.

So, where do we go from here? It’s time to slam the door on these loopholes. We need to:

1. UK subsidiaries should only be allowed to donate if they genuinely operate and make profits here—not just on paper.
2. Right now, fines for donation breaches are peanuts compared to a billionaire’s bank account. We need consequences that actually sting.
3. If someone tries to sway British politics, the public should know exactly who they are and how they’re doing it—no hiding behind complex corporate structures.

Ultimately, democracy is about everyday people choosing their leaders, not the world’s richest using their fortune and platforms to steer elections. We need to act fast to keep the playing field level, and maintain the heart of democracy.

If we don’t act now, foreign money and outside agendas will keep exploiting these gaps, and we could lose the voice of ordinary voters in the process.