‘Lock up Facebook chiefs over Arthur’
MP slams site’s refusal to help find missing boy
FACEBOOK was yesterday accused of obstructing police efforts to find missing schoolboy Arthur Heeler-Frood.
There were also calls for laws to force the social media giant to release data that could help in the search – and lock up executives who won’t comply.
There were signs last night, however, that the tech firm was bowing to pressure more than two months after 15-yearold Arthur disappeared from his home in devon.
The teenager’s anguished parents have spent weeks pleading with Facebook to reveal their son’s last communications, arguing that his safety should supersede privacy concerns.
His mother caroline said the company has ignored six letters asking for ‘crucial’ messages that could give a clue to his whereabouts.
devon and cornwall police also confirmed the Us-based firm had so far declined its request to investigate Arthur’s use of the social media site the night before he disappeared.
Labour Mp John Mann, who serves on the Treasury select committee, said yesterday: ‘it should be a criminal offence for Facebook to refuse to help the British police. Facebook executives ought to be jailed for this.
‘it is quite extraordinary a large company like this is refusing to help the British police do their job, and i would urge the police to consider charging them with obstructing police in their duties.’
Former home secretary Jack straw said: ‘Facebook, like other internet behemoths, is infected by a weird ideology which places “privacy” – aka commercial advantage – above the safety of children. it is highly irresponsible.’
Arthur disappeared on september 6 after writing a letter to his parents telling them he was ‘bored with life’ and would be back within a year. Although he left his mobile phone behind at his home in the affluent village of Membury, it has been suggested his Facebook page continued to be accessed. His family say the night before he left home, Arthur was communicating with an unknown person or group on the site.
Mrs Heeler-Frood said despite putting up posters at hospitals and homeless shelters, they have heard nothing.
she added: ‘That’s why this Facebook link is so crucial. We just need them to release information to the police so they can see if he’s been in contact with someone.
‘We have written about half a dozen letters directly [to Facebook] and there has been no reply. This is an issue of child safety and this should take precedence over privacy.’
police cannot force Facebook to hand over communications. But a source claimed it was now assisting police to provide the requested information.
Comment – Page 16
‘Executives should be jailed’