An internet safety campaign, funded by major US tech companies, faces backlash after allegedly censoring key messages from two teenagers invited to speak about online issues affecting youth. The campaign, organized by the UK charity Childnet to coincide with Safer Internet Day 2024, invited Lewis Swire and Saamya Ghai to present their views but later removed significant parts of their speeches that highlighted the dangers of social media, such as addiction and its contribution to feelings of isolation.

The omissions included serious warnings from the teenagers that social media addiction poses an imminent threat and that the compulsive nature of apps like TikTok and Snap is detrimental to their peers' mental health. This editing raises questions about the authenticity of advocacy efforts led by organizations that are financially supported by tech giants, which might influence their messaging. As a result, the actions have sparked outrage and highlighted a deeper conflict between the interests of tech companies and genuine child safety initiatives.

Critics argue that by silencing these critical viewpoints, the campaign undermines its mission to protect children online. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between youth activism and corporate influence, as well as the broader implications for internet safety dialogues when they are potentially co-opted or sanitized by stakeholders with vested interests. The backlash could provoke a reevaluation of how child safety campaigns operate and demand greater accountability from the tech companies involved.