Prince Harry thanks bereaved families taking on social media firms
Source: BBC Technology
Speech highlights
“We’ve said time and time again that this is a David versus Goliath situation,” the prince told the bereaved families, who had gathered on Wednesday evening following the day’s court proceedings.
“I’ve been in some similar situations myself—vastly different—but when you’re sitting in court and you feel overwhelming emotion because you can’t believe what the other side is saying… the lies they are stating devalue life, devalue your children’s lives. If that brings stuff up for you, it is totally normal.”
“None of you should be here… Thank you for doing everything that you’ve done. Thank you for telling your stories over and over again. Truth, justice and accountability: those are the three things that will come from this.”
The footage was shared exclusively with BBC Breakfast.
Family perspective
Ellen Roome, one of roughly 50 bereaved parents addressed by the prince, told BBC Breakfast:
“We can’t make a difference for our children, but we can make a difference for other people’s children.”
She described the trial as “the first of its kind” and said “the world is waking up” to the danger that “harmful” social‑media content can pose to young people. Roome added that the case would force the tech giants to take “accountability,” noting that “these companies are a law unto their own.”
Tech companies’ response
- Meta: A spokesperson told the BBC that the company “strongly” disagrees with the allegations and has introduced “teen accounts” with “built‑in protections” that give parents tools to manage their teens’ experiences.
- YouTube: The platform also offers various features to limit content for younger users.
Potential broader impact
The outcome of the California case may influence separate lawsuits filed by attorneys for dozens of U.S. states seeking tougher restrictions on Meta platforms.
