William takes swipe at web firms over cyber bullying

THE Duke of Cambridge has warned of the dangers of online platforms that allow people to hide their identity.

He said anonymity online was ‘ really, really dangerous’ because it allows bullies to target other users without thinking of the real-life impact.

Facebook, Snapchat and other networks including Twitter all ask users for their name and to confirm that they are 13 or older before they are allowed to set up a profile.

However, they do not ask for proof – meaning it is astonishingly easy for users to assume a false identity online.

William urged web giants to take decisive action to eradicate online abuse.

‘I think it is worth reminding everyone what the human tragedy of what we are talking about [is] – [it] isn’t just about companies and about online stuff – it’s actually real lives that get affected,’ he said. ‘We are still responsible for our own actions online. This anonymity … is really, really dangerous.’

The duke made his remarks in a discussion with two people whose lives have been affected by cyber bullying – one whose son committed suicide after online victimisation, and another who attempted to take her own life at the age of 13.

Yesterday, at a meeting of tech firms who joined his Royal Foundation Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying, William unveiled plans for a ‘speak, stop, support’ campaign to tackle cyber bullying.

Facebook and Snapchat have adapted their platforms to make it easier for users to get access to help from Childline if they encounter online bullying.

But William said he had hoped such companies would go further and agree on a standardised reporting tool for the industry, as well as clear timelines for handling complaints.

In an address at Google’s Kings Cross headquarters, he apologised to cyberbullying victims, saying: ‘I’m sorry it’s taken so long to get to this point.’

Facebook vice- president Nicola Mendelsohn said: ‘Nothing is more important than the safety of young people using our products.’ Facebook added it was ‘absolutely committed’ to ensuring people use their real names.

A Snapchat spokesman said the safety of users was the priority and ‘bullying, harassment or intimidation of any kind have no place on Snapchat’.