Hi there,
As you may have seen, as part of our Rage Against the Screen campaign we’re pushing for politicians to do more to protect children from Big Tech’s addictive algorithms. We know that many of you are worried about the effect of social media and smart phones on the health of your kids.
On Wednesday 7th May, MPs will have the chance to vote on an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which would raise the digital age of consent from 13 to 16. This would mean that social media companies would need parental permission to collect or use data from users under 16. Without that consent, they couldn’t legally use a child’s data to fuel addictive algorithm driven content on their platforms. The amendment has been tabled by Victoria Collins MP, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Science, Innovation & Technology. You can read more about it in her piece here.
We’re asking Mumsnet users to contact their MP and encourage them to support this important amendment. You can find suggested text below (but please do feel free to personalise!), and check the contact details for your MP here. And please do let us know on the thread if you’ve written (and if you’ve received a response!).
As always, if there's something you think we should be addressing or you'd like to share your views on this issue, drop us a line via [email protected].
Big thanks,
MNHQ
Subject: Protect children from addictive algorithms – Support Data Bill Amendment NC1
Dear [MP’s Name],
As your constituent, I’m deeply concerned about the impact of social media and Big Tech’s addictive algorithms on children's safety and wellbeing.
That’s why I’m writing to ask you to please support Victoria Collins MP’s amendment - NC1 - to the Data (Use and Access) Bill on May 7th. The amendment would raise the age of consent for processing personal data on social media from 13 to 16 years old, significantly enhancing protections for young people online.
This amendment ensures that social media companies provide safer online environments, reducing children's exposure to harmful content and exploitation. Without this critical measure, children remain vulnerable to targeted advertising and addictive algorithmically curated content that can severely impact their mental health and development.
Your support is essential to protect young people from online harm and exploitation. Thank you for taking action.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]