Mother’s Campaign Leads to Jools’ Law Approval in Parliament

A significant legislative change has been achieved in the UK following the passage of what is now known as Jools’ Law. The Government confirmed it will implement measures to automatically preserve children’s social media data upon their death, a development that stems from the tireless advocacy of Ellen Roome, MBE. This decision comes after Ellen campaigned for years following the tragic loss of her son, Jools Sweeney, in April 2022.

Jools, who was just 14 years old at the time of his passing, allegedly died as a result of an online challenge. On Friday, Ellen received a personal call from Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, informing her of the Government’s decision to amend the Crime and Policing Bill. This amendment mandates that social media data belonging to children will be preserved for a period of five days following their death, unless the online activity is deemed irrelevant to the circumstances of their passing.

Ellen expressed her gratitude upon receiving the call. “On Friday 13, Liz Kendall rang me herself to tell me the Government would introduce automatic data preservation for children following a death,” she stated. “She thanked me for my national campaigning to show the flaws in the current data preservation laws.” This victory is particularly poignant for Ellen, who struggled to gain access to Jools’ social media accounts after his death.

“No parent should have to beg social media companies not to delete their child’s data,” Ellen continued. “This is about answers. It is about accountability. And it is about protecting families at the worst moment of their lives.”

The legislation is part of a broader initiative to enhance online safety, which was outlined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Government is also working to tighten regulations on AI chatbots and strengthen enforcement of the Online Safety Act. During the announcement, Kendall addressed concerns regarding the potential risks associated with AI-generated content, especially relating to harmful diet advice. “We already know that children have received content around self-harm and suicide, and we’ve taken action on that immediately,” she remarked in an interview with Times Radio.

Ellen Roome’s advocacy has resonated with many, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of social media companies. She is currently involved in a lawsuit against TikTok in the United States, alongside other parents who have lost children under similar circumstances. Families often encounter delays or outright refusals from social media platforms when seeking access to data that could be pivotal in investigations.

“This change has come because people listened. Because bereaved parents spoke out. Because Parliament heard us,” Ellen said. Yet, she remains vigilant in her efforts. “I am still waiting for the Attorney General’s decision on whether I can apply to the High Court for a fresh inquest into Jools’ death. This new law is not retrospective, so it will not help me, but it will help other bereaved families. Data preservation is the first step. Access and accountability must follow.”

Ellen’s commitment to raising awareness about online safety for children extends beyond her personal loss. She advocates for measures that would prevent harm and save lives. “We must go further; we also must do more to stop children being harmed or dying in the first place,” she concluded.

This legislative victory marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology and child safety, with the hope that it will lead to significant changes in how social media companies handle user data in the future.