The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a strongly worded statement emphasising the urgent need for tech companies to face accountability for child safety online, describing the current moment as a pivotal one for families seeking truth, justice, and protection worldwide.
In a message shared through their charity, Archewell Philanthropies, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle praised recent global efforts to hold social media platforms responsible, particularly after years of prioritising profits and engagement over children’s wellbeing.
“Families devastated by online harm have waited too long for this moment,” the statement read.
“Our growing community of The Parents’ Network have lived through the horrific consequences of cyberbullying, algorithm-driven manipulation, and worse. They, as well as whistleblowers, have told us for years that platforms prioritise engagement over safety.”
The Sussexes highlighted upcoming legal and regulatory developments, including the first jury trial in Los Angeles against major tech giants like Meta and Google, which will examine how their platforms are allegedly designed to addict children.
They also pointed to proactive steps in Spain, Australia, and France to strengthen online safety measures.
“We’re watching both tracks with cautious optimism. Action from world leaders signals that protecting childhood is a societal responsibility, not just a parental one,” they said.
Harry and Meghan stressed that no single country’s laws can fully address a global problem and called for stronger safeguards, urging governments to enforce human rights and safety obligations on tech companies.
“The real test is now whether platform and tech companies can design with children’s wellbeing as a first principle – or whether we’ll keep needing governments and courts to force their hand,” they added.
The couple concluded by inviting support for bereaved parents and advocates who, despite unimaginable loss, continue to fight for the safety of all children online.
The statement arrives amid renewed scrutiny in Britain over Prince Andrew, following Thames Valley Police’s confirmation on Wednesday that they are consulting specialist Crown Prosecution Service lawyers regarding allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports from his time as UK trade envoy with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force is assessing claims of misconduct in public office related to documents in the US Department of Justice’s Epstein files.
He noted that discussions with CPS specialists are ongoing, though no decision on a full criminal investigation has been made, and no specific timescales could be provided at this stage.
The Sussexes’ renewed focus on online child safety aligns with their long-standing advocacy, including Harry’s work with The Parents’ Network and Meghan’s public statements on the dangers of manipulative algorithms and cyber harm.
