I reiterated the successful campaign for the inclusion of Zach's Law in the Online Safety Bill yesterday.
As a member of the Draft Bill committee, I thoroughly scrutinised the provisions to ensure there would be protection for those with epilepsy, such as Zach Eagling. Zach, diagnosed with both epilepsy and cerebral palsy, was subjected to a targeted and malicious online attack of flashing images intending to cause him to have a seizure.
After hearing of Zach’s story and that there were no adequate safeguards in place, I joined colleague Suzanne Webb MP and the Epilepsy Society to introduce an amendment to the Online Safety Bill, namely Zach's Law.
If we witnessed a child being physically bullied and harmed, I am sure there is no doubt we would step in to put a stop to it. With the passing of the Online Safety Bill, this will now be a legal requirement online too.
Zach should continue to receive the recognition he deserves for his strength and fortitude to stand up against tech giants. If you are unaware of Zach’s story, you may find my speech during the passing of the amendment to be of interest.
