SOCIAL media companies are refusing to help stop the next Huw Edwards, charities claim.
The NSPCC and Internet Watch Foundation are calling on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram to use tech to stop underage kids sharing sexual images.
Their plea comes after Martin Clunes starred in Channel 5’s drama about the ex-news presenter who paid a teen for sex photos.
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards tells how The Sun helped expose the anchorman’s double life which led to a suspended jail sentence.
He received sexual images of kids from a paedo in a WhatsApp chat.
But experts say social media platforms could halt such online abuse by applying safety tech already available.
Internet Watch Foundation said: “Tools to help stop the next Huw Edwards are here.
“They work and don’t impact on privacy. It’s time to use them.”
The NSPCC’s Rani Govender said: “Government must act to ensure they embed tech that upholds children’s safety.”
WhatsApp said: “Users shouldn’t have to choose between privacy and safety.” Snapchat declined to comment.
The Government said: “We’re working with tech companies to tackle online abuse.”
