National Emergencies Trust responds to the Online Safety Act

“This week the Online Safety Act came into effect. The Act is a welcome and important step in protecting people from a wide range of abuse and harm online, including those affected by national emergencies.

“Social media can be a significant force for good in the aftermath of major disasters. It can help people affected to find and connect with others who have been through the same experience as them, which can be a great source of comfort.

“But social media can have a harmful side too. Survivors we work with all too often have difficult stories to tell about how they are trolled over social networks by people wanting to cause harm. This can be incredibly challenging for those already experiencing extreme trauma.

“We hope the new Act will help make experiences like this much rarer and allow them to be swiftly dealt with, so that the internet can become a safer space for people affected by disasters.”