Petition · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Require removal of online content taunting deceased people & introduce penalties

Open for signatures 58 signatures

What the petition asks

Legislate to require social media platforms to remove harmful taunting content, introduce penalties for individuals who create or share it, and recognise digital taunting as a driver of violence, retaliation, and trauma.
Online taunting of deceased individuals and victims of violence is escalating across social media. It fuels retaliation, traumatises families, and contributes to cycles of harm. Existing laws do not cover this behaviour clearly, and enforcement is inconsistent. A dedicated law is urgently needed to protect young people and communities.

Timeline

24 Jun 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 58
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Opened 24 Jun 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.