Online Safety Bill

A recent inquest found that social media material contributed to the suicide of Molly Russell in 2017. Her father says there should be no further delay to an Online Safety Bill.

The inquest into Molly's death reviewed materials she viewed on platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram prior to her death. Representatives from Meta (owners of Facebook and Instagram) and Pinterest gave evidence at the inquest, where the coroner* made it clear that algorithms created by those platforms pushed harmful content to Molly that she had not requested.

The coroner plans to issue a prevention of future deaths notice, which will recommend actions to try to prevent a repeat of Molly’s case. Her father, as well as many influential groups such as the NSPCC, argue that the government must legislate to make online platforms safer.

*A coroner is a government or judicial official who is empowered to conduct or order an inquest into the manner or cause of death.

You can read more at the links below:

Social media firms ‘monetising misery’, says Molly Russell’s father after inquest

Molly Russell: Dad wants no further delay to online harm bill

Molly Russell inquest findings