Helen Grant

For those of us of a certain generation, the pace of technological change has been a mainstay of our adult lives. It is mindboggling that the computer that used to occupy a whole room pales into insignificance compared with the power of the machine in our pockets.

Technology has brought huge advantages, developing the world’s poorest countries, creating jobs and advancing medical treatment. However, like any seismic change there are dangers.

The prime minister used her time in Davos last week to call upon internet companies to take a more robust approach to removing extremist content. Giant social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp must act to ensure that they are not a safe haven for vile, hate-filled language that incites or inspires violence.

Furthermore, as a mother to two boys who grew up during the noughties, I am acutely aware of parental concern about the online safety of our children. The NSPCC has called upon technology giants to introduce an algorithm that would help root out those who wish to use technology to cause harm. If the tech companies’ commitment to implementing lasting and global protection is to be believed, this suggestion must be taken seriously. If not, governments across may have to take a tougher stance.

I know of deeply upsetting