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Prince William takes on cyberbullying, accuses tech companies of not protecting children

Kate and William joined youngsters on The One Show (Getty)
Kate and William joined youngsters on The One Show (Getty)

The Duke of Cambridge delivered a passionate speech at the BBC today, expressing his concern over major tech companies failing to tackle cyber bullying on their social media platforms.

Prince William said that tech leaders “have a great deal to learn about the responsibilities that come with their significant power.”

He added: “You can reject the false choice of profits over values. You can choose to do good and be successful. You can work in the interest of the children and parents who use your products and still make your shareholders happy.”

The Duke delivers his speech (Getty)
The Duke delivers his speech (Getty)

While the Duke acknowledged the positive aspects of social media, by allowing people all over the globe to connect, he said: “We have to acknowledge that much of the early optimism and hope of social media is giving way to very real concern, and even fear about its impact on our lives.”

William, who set up the Cyberbullying Taskforce in 2016 to support young people and their families, talked about the disappointment he felt about the lack of response from companies.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a surprise visit to the BBC to view the work the broadcaster is doing as a key member of The Duke’s Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying.

Kate and William met young people at the broadcaster’s London HQ, who wrote and performed in a new campaign video for ‘Stop, Speak, Support’, which is a youth-led code of conduct to provide guidance on what to do when they witness bullying online.

The campaign was started by the young persons’ panel on the Taskforce and is now being run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which is rolling out materials to thousands of schools across the country.

Kate and William at the BBC (Getty)
Kate and William at the BBC (Getty)

Kate wore a familiar teal Emilia Wickstead pleated dress and courts for the visit, while William donned a dark suit, with no tie.

Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess visited South Yorkshire where they opened McLaren’s Automotive’s new Composites Technology Centre in Rotherham and visited a Centrepoint hostel in Barnsley, where they helped to prepare lunch for residents.

Last night, Kate and William attended Prince Charles’ 70th birthday, with the rest of the royal family. The Queen paid a touching tribute to her son during a toast, while Kate, Meghan and Camilla dazzled in evening gowns and diamond earrings.


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