Prince Harry slams ‘lawless’ social media’s impact on children

BRUSSELS — Royalty descended on the European Parliament on Tuesday as Prince Harry slammed Big Tech for creating a world of “chaos.” “A handful of very powerful people … would like to see the world as a social media world: lawless, no consequence, complete chaos, division,” the Duke of Sussex said at an event on online safety for children. Speaking in a room packed to the brim with journalists and photographers, Harry called for stricter rules on social media platforms to protect kids from content that could lead to suicide or self-harm.

He expressed reservations about the privacy policies of social media platforms, which he said bar parents from knowing how their children died. “That cannot be right,” a visibly upset Harry said.

His wife, Meghan Markle, was present but withdrew from an address on Tuesday’s panel. The European Commission regulates online platforms through its Digital Services Act and is planning a special regime for minors under the Kids Act.