Major tech companies join taskforce to combat cyberbullying

One of the world’s fastest growing and influential social media firms musical.ly, and the mobile network, Three, have become the latest members of The Duke of Cambridge’s taskforce to combat cyberbullying. 

Two years ago, The Duke of Cambridge brought together a collaboration of the most influential names in media, gaming, social media and internet provision, alongside charities, parents and children, to try and find new ways of reducing the impact of cyberbullying.

Moved by the stories he was hearing from parents and children whose lives had been deeply affected, sometimes tragically, by cyberbullying, His Royal Highness and The Royal Foundation have been driving an agenda to change behaviour and provide young people and parents with more support.

Chaired by tech entrepreneur Brent Hoberman CBE, the Taskforce members include: The Anti-Bullying Alliance; Apple; BT; The Diana Award; EE; Facebook; Google; Internet Matters; NSPCC; O2; Sky; Snapchat; Supercell; TalkTalk; Twitter; Virgin Media and Vodafone.

Last year the Taskforce launched a national action plan, putting the UK at the global forefront of trying to tackle the issue. The action plan included:

• A national, youth-led code of conduct for the internet (Stop Speak Support) and supporting campaign 
• Facebook and Snapchat trialling the provision of emotional support for users reporting bullying on their platforms
• A major new commitment for social media and gaming firms to adhere to new guidelines, which put young people’s safety online at the heart of product design
• Taskforce members building a universal strategy for information, ensuring all online resources for support and help – whether aimed at young people or parents – are high quality, reliable and have common themes

Chair of the Taskforce, Brent Hoberman CBE said: 

"We are delighted that Three and musical.ly are joining the Taskforce. As key players in the digital lives of young people, it’s great that they are joining other industry and charity leaders to help ensure the Cyberbullying Taskforce has the maximum positive impact for as many young people as possible."

Alex Zhu, co-founder of musical.ly said: 

"We are honoured to be a part of the Taskforce’s efforts and excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other industry leaders similarly committed to taking action against cyberbullying. At musical.ly, we are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our users. We’ve added numerous protective measures over even the past few months alone, and we look forward to working together with others in the Taskforce to address this industry-wide challenge and improve the online experiences we each provide." 

Dave Dyson, CEO at Three UK, said:  

“Cyberbullying is an issue that can have potentially devastating effects particularly on younger people in terms of their confidence, happiness and wellbeing. We believe that joining the Cyberbullying Taskforce is a vital step in demonstrating our support in helping to tackle it. We hope to help continue to increase awareness of all the great work they have achieved and want to use our position as a major UK mobile network to help combat this very current problem for society today.” 

The two new members were confirmed at the latest meeting of the Taskforce, which took place on Tuesday, at Founders Factory in West London.