Health Secretary makes statement following social media summit
30 April 2019 (updated on 30 April 2019)
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock updated the House of Commons on his recent meeting with social media companies on how they could act on social to protect vulnerable people online.
The Health Secretary recently met up with various social media companies to discuss how they could act to protect vulnerable people, including children, online. He told the House;
"Social media companies have a duty of care to people on their sites, and just because they're global, doesn't mean they can be irresponsible."
Shadow Health Secretary Jonathan Ashworth responded to the statement and said:
"These social media platforms must be made to take responsibility for the harm and dangerous fake news they host. They're helping fuel a public health crisis."
- Watch Parliament TV: statement on social media and health
- Read Commons Hansard: statement on social media and health
Related information
There was a recent Westminster Hall debate on online abuse led by Helen Jones MP.
- Watch Parliament TV: Westminster Hall debate on online abuse
- Read Commons Hansard: Westminster Hall debate on online abuse
Earlier this month, the Government also announced plans for significant new online safety initiatives in a White Paper.
Image: PA
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