New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- Britain says people who advertise fake passports or people-smuggling services on social medial could face up to five years in prison, in the government's latest effort to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The government said Sunday that anyone convicted of creating online materials intended to break U.K. immigration law will face prison time and a large fine.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the aim was to stop the "brazen tactics on social media" used by smuggling gangs.

"Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the U.K. and a life in this country - whether on or offline - simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral," she said.

Assisting illegal immigration to the U.K. ...