MPs have debated the right for parents to access their deceased children’s social media accounts, emphasizing a moral and humane approach. Labour MP for Darlington, Lola McEvoy, referenced Ellen Roome, a grieving parent whose 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, passed away in April 2022. Ms. Roome believes his death may have been linked to an online challenge, but tech companies have denied her access to his accounts, requiring a court order to do so. Following a petition with over 126,000 signatures, MPs discussed “Jools’ Law,” which would grant parents the right to explore their children’s online activities posthumously.
McEvoy expressed admiration for Ms. Roome’s persistence and shared her statement, where Roome questioned, “Who are we protecting when a child has passed away? The predators on these platforms or the social media companies?” She added that, although unsure if social media was a factor in her son’s tragic death, she believes parents should have the right to access such information for potential answers.
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson criticized social media companies for prioritizing process over compassion in Roome’s case, calling it a “cruel and inhumane” ordeal. Wilkinson also voiced concerns about tech companies favoring free speech over online safety, referencing the actions of platforms like X and Meta.
The UK’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, holds social media firms accountable for user safety, but the debate continues over the balance between privacy rights and parental access.
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