Prince Harry slams ‘lawless’ social media’s impact on children
Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit the European Parliament.
Prince Harry addressed a gathering at the European Parliament on Tuesday, criticizing Big Tech for creating a “lawless” and chaotic online environment for children. Speaking amid a crowd of journalists and photographers, the Duke of Sussex demanded stricter regulations on social media platforms to safeguard young users from content that could lead to self-harm or suicide.
He expressed concerns over social media’s privacy policies, which he claimed prevent parents from knowing when their children die. The visibly distressed Harry emphasized, “That cannot be right.” His wife, Meghan Markle, was present but did not deliver her own remarks during the panel. The European Commission oversees online platforms through its Digital Services Act and is devising a special framework for minors under the Kids Act.
Harry posited that the burden of proof regarding platform safety should rest on the companies, echoing an EU proposal that would deny under-13s access to social media. The royal couple imbued the Parliament affair with celebrity status, prompting heightened security and a barrage of press attention, including many U.K.-based journalists.
Troops of parliament clerks and lobbyists swarmed outside the chamber, eager to catch a glimpse of the pair. Within the Parliament, the internal market committee, spearheading discussions on the Kids Act, convened in a less crowded room. Members, including Dóra Dávid from Hungary and Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová from Slovakia, attended the event celebrating the royals.
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