Molly Russell’s father warns PM that UK ‘going backwards’ on online safety

London: Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, who tragically took her life at just 14, is sounding the alarm about online safety in the UK. He believes the country is slipping backward when it comes to protecting kids from harmful content online.

In a heartfelt letter to Keir Starmer, he described the current situation as a “digital disaster.” He’s worried that the streams of harmful content kids see could soon turn into torrents if things don’t change.

Russell heads the Molly Rose Foundation, which was created in memory of his daughter after her death in 2017. He criticized Ofcom’s handling of the Online Safety Act, saying it’s been a total mess. This act, passed in late 2023, is supposed to regulate social media and other online platforms, but Russell feels it’s not doing enough.

He pointed out that Ofcom’s recent rules don’t really address the urgent need for better protections. He’s calling for stronger regulations and a focus on the safety of children, urging Starmer to take action.

Russell ended his letter with a plea, saying many parents have lost hope that the government will make the necessary changes. He emphasized the need for decisive action to protect children from the dangers of the online world.

He also mentioned that tech giants like Meta and X are shifting their strategies, which could lead to less safety for users, especially kids. Meta recently announced it’s changing its fact-checking approach, which Russell sees as a step away from ensuring safety online.

In response, a spokesperson from Meta assured that they still take harmful content seriously, especially regarding issues like suicide and self-harm. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from No 10 acknowledged Russell’s bravery and reiterated the government’s commitment to online safety for children.

Russell’s concerns highlight a growing issue that many families are facing, and it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure a safer online environment for everyone.