Following her attendance at an ‘Internet Matters’ event in Westminster, Mims Davies MP for Eastleigh has now spoken in the House of Commons on the importance of protecting children online.
Internet Matters is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to keep children safe in the digital world.
Commenting, Mims said:
‘Meeting with Internet Matters reinforced my apprehension that more must be done to protect our children as they browse the internet.’
‘48% of parents believe that their children known more about the internet than they do, and 78% of children agree – and in some ways it is brilliant that our kids have such a powerful resource at the fingertips - but we must equally recognise that conversations must be had to help limit the risks that they might face in the digital realm.’
‘Today I have welcomed the Minister’s assurances that the Government is taking action through the Data Protection Bill to keep under 18s safe online.’
‘I’d strongly recommend that Eastleigh constituents also take the time to browse all the expert advice and information available on the Internet Matters website.’
In the Chamber, Mims asked:
‘We simply must take steps to protect online users, particularly through education about online responsibility. How will the Government’s Data Protection Bill, which I welcome, benefit people in terms of the data held about them? I am thinking in particular of the use of children’s data and consent.’
The Minister for Digital and Culture, Matt Hancock MP, replied:
‘The Data Protection Bill, which we published in the other place today, is about giving citizens more power over their data while ensuring that data can be used innovatively and effectively. It also introduces new powers to protect minors and to allow people to request the deletion of their data on social media sites at the age of 18, ensuring that they are more in control of their online data.’