Prince Harry takes aim at leaders of ‘insanely powerful’ social media companies

The Duke of Sussex was speaking at an event in New York where he addressed “the pervasive threat that our online world poses to us, especially our children”.

Prince Harry speaking at the event in New York. Pic: AP
Image:Prince Harry speaking at the event in New York. Pic: AP

Prince Harry has taken aim at the leaders of “insanely powerful” social media companies as he warned of the online dangers facing children.

The Duke of Sussex spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York “about the pervasive threat that our online world poses to us, especially our children”.

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Addressing the crowd after an appearance by former US president Bill Clinton, Harry said laws and regulations on social media “are different, state to state, country to country”.

“We may have different backgrounds, viewpoints, beliefs, and even access to the internet itself, but the one thing that we can universally agree on is the safety of our children,” he said.

“So why do the leaders of these insanely powerful social media companies still refuse to change? Why are we holding them to the lowest ethical standards?”

In a lighthearted moment, Harry referenced his younger days, telling the crowd: “Some say kids will be kids and well, that may well be true. Kids may get into trouble. I know a thing or two about that.

“But our kids are being targeted. The harmful effects of social media are made by design.”

Prince Harry speaks in front of a screen of young people who died or experienced online harm. Pic: Reuters


Image:Pic: Reuters

The royal has been vocal about the need for social media regulation, calling online platforms more addictive than drugs and alcohol in 2019 and saying the way people use social media “isn’t working and needs to be fixed” in 2022.

It comes after Harry called on governments to work more closely with young people at a New York summit, where he also thanked winners for carrying on Princess Diana’s legacy.

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Joined by Diana Award winners, Harry said: “I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you, but all of the award winners… the way that you do it, your activism, your compassion.

“Those two things are so true to how my mum led her life and what she believed in, and the way that you do it is incredible.”

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