Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, appeared on BBC Wales Live this week to discuss the dangers around the lack of regulation in the online sphere, particularly where influencers are concerned.

Influencers are used to promote products and services online through whatever platform they operate on – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, online gaming etc. While products and services advertised on television have to adhere to strict regulation, this is not the case online and the risks are high.

These risks are not only for those following these influencers and listening to their recommendations, but for the influencers themselves. We are beginning to understand the perils of public life for one’s mental health and influencers are public figures – every aspect of their appearance, their connections, and their personality are up for discussion.

Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore, said:

“Social media is not an inherently bad thing; there are many positive aspects to social media, particularly in the possibilities for keeping in touch with loved ones. But we have to keep people safe.

“Today’s world includes the online sphere and we have to accept that and adapt to that. It’s a new way to communicate with constituents and to engage with people who are perhaps new to politics.

“But ultimately, we have to ensure that the online world is subject to the same regulation that keeps people safe in the real world. Life is no less dangerous for being online and safeguards must be put in place to tame this wild west and protect everyone involved.”

Chris Elmore’s appearance on BBC Wales Live can be viewed at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000wr2j/bbc-wales-live-02062021