Hancock’s ‘have your say’ app filled with lewd messages
AN APP released by Matt Hancock to give updates about his speeches and constituency work has become a haven for lewd pranksters.
The Daily Telegraph has found that one post on the “Have Your Say” section of “Matt Hancock”, which has been visible to all users for over a month, encourages people to email Jacob Reesmogg to purchase an obscene badge.
Another post published this week included a cartoon drawing of male genitals.
Other content visible on the app includes abuse directed at Mr Hancock, as well as crude messages.
Another profile is being used to impersonate Ken Livingstone, the former Mayor of London. “Dear Matt,” the user wrote, “you appeared in my dream last night. I was in your kitchen. Very concerning.”
Dr Tony O’sullivan, the co-chair of campaign group Keep Our NHS Public, said: “It is very concerning that these offensive posts on Hancock’s own app have gone unmoderated for months. The Health Secretary is ever enthusiastic about new technology, but his near app-obsession, while ignoring the dayto-day management, may be a case of style over substance.
“Hancock is now behind the outsourcing of NHS contact and tracing apps to companies like Amazon, Palantir and Faculty, with no transparent guarantees for the public. This is patients’ data held in trust by the NHS and Government, and should not be part of his extended vanity project.”
The Health Secretary’s app was developed by Disciple Media, a London headquartered technology business which has created similar online communities for The Rolling Stones.
The app’s moderation is not run by the company, which has no responsibility for monitoring or removing content. Mr Hancock said shortly after the app’s launch that he hoped it would become “a chance for you to tell me what you think, and to engage with others on issues that matter to you”.
A spokesman for Matt Hancock said: “The app is intended for Matt to engage with his constituents, and largely it’s a very positive environment.”