Jo Stevens – 2021 Comments on Football Social Media Blackout

The comments made by Jo Stevens, the Shadow Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, on 24 April 2021.

The threats and racism faced by footballers on social media are appalling, but sadly, no-one is surprised by this anymore.

The only way to make social media companies take responsibility for what appears on their platforms is criminal sanctions against senior executives. And yet, despite all their tough talk, the Conservatives have dropped them from the proposed online safety law.

Ministers can hold as many zoom meetings with footballers as they like, but actions speak louder than words. They have caved in to big tech lobbyists by watering down proposed legislation, as well as delaying it for more than two years. That’s how concerned they really are.