Online Safety Tools 2022-01-17

2022-01-17

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
Sarah Olney is questioning the government's discussions with the Equalities Office and women's rights campaigners about the Path Community app and other online safety tools.
What discussions has she had with (a) the Equalities Office and (b) women's rights campaigners on the effectiveness of (i) the Path Community app and (ii) other online safety tools?
I speak regularly with the Equalities Office and campaigners on ways to tackle violence against women and girls. We believe that women should not have to change their behaviour to stay safe, which is why our strategy sets out preventive measures to tackle violence against women and girls focusing on changing misogynistic attitudes; however some people might choose to use one of the many apps, including the Path Community app, that are available to them.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with the Equalities Office and campaigners about the efficacy of the Path Community app were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Sarah Olney Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Context
Campaigners like Reclaim These Streets have criticized the Path Community app, claiming it is insulting and ineffective. Sarah Olney is questioning why the government continues to promote such an app.
Many women's rights campaigners, including Reclaim These Streets, have called apps such as the Path Community app insulting to women and girls. They claim it does nothing to tackle men's violence against women, so why are the Government continuing to push the app and present it as some kind of solution?
I thank the hon. Lady for giving me the opportunity to put on the record that we are not specifically pushing—I think that was the word she used—or promoting or backing that one app. As I said in my answer, there are many apps, and many women use those apps of their own choice. Of course we welcome that choice for individuals; on the other hand, it is vital that the Government play our part in tackling violence against women and girls through the multiple other measures set out in the “Tackling violence against women and girls strategy”, which I invite her to read.
Assessment & feedback
The specific promotion or endorsement of the Path Community app was not acknowledged, instead emphasizing that many apps exist and individuals choose freely among them.
Response accuracy