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Maeve Walsh

@maevewalsh.bsky.social
699 followers 631 following 135 posts

Policy & Govt Relations consultant | Director, #OnlineSafetyAct Network | Trustee | Ex-Civil Servant | #FRSA | London-Irish

PostsRepliesMedia
Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Lead" doing a lot of heavy lifting here in the new AI Minister's reminiscences of how these #onlinesafety amendments ended up on statute book. Certainly likely to come as a surprise to civil society #VAWG campaigners, cross-party MPs and Peers and, erm, his colleagues in the Home Office. #iykyk
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Jack Stilgoe @jackstilgoe.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
A governance model that just waits for powerful individuals to change their minds is doomed. Governments need to start listening to other people.
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Aidan O’Brien @aidanobrien.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly Parton in Paídi Ó Sé's, Co Kerry, Ireland, 1990. RIP
youtube.com
Dolly Parton in Paídi Ó Sé's Pub
YouTube video by paidiosekerry
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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
If the purported No10 Bluesky account isn’t genuine, it does rather underline one of the problems of govt not having an established presence here- namely that it creates a vacuum for others to try and fill to impersonate them!
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Owen Boswarva @owenboswarva.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Ofcom unable to take further legal action against suicide forum www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Take out the trash day? Absolutely not, Ofcom never even watched that episode
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said the decision to take no further legal action would "result in more lost lives" and that announcing it on the day a new prime minister was named showed "an utter lack of moral courage".

In response, an Ofcom spokesperson said it had made the decision a "matter of days ago" following "months of work to exhaust all possible legal routes".

They said bereaved families were informed of the decision this morning after being contacted last week.

"In that context, we do not consider it appropriate to delay the announcement further to accommodate today's political developments," they said.
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
This. Also for big tech / social media co.s too. A single (always open) door into Govt for tech lobbyists means conversations about growth/sector support are also opps to argue against accountability/ regulation. This is the conflict at the heart of DSIT (and previously in "D is for digital" DCMS).
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Jim Waterson @jim.londoncentric.media · 13/07/2026
absolute classic "I am 50 years old and have run large chunks of government and the boss has told us we have to listen this child on an away day" look
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Thanks to @zoecrowther.bsky.social @politicshome.bsky.social for covering our call - backed by dozens of our partners - calling on the new PM to deliver a more ambitious approach to #onlinesafety and #AI policy and regulation. Full statement here: www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/onl...
onlinesafetyact.net
Online safety: the opportunities ahead for the new Prime Minister
This joint statement has been signed by 47 of our Network partners, who are listed below. The past six months have brought debates about children’s online safety to the very heart of British life and ...
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PoliticsHome @politicshome.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Exc: A coalition of charities, campaign groups, researchers & academics has urged Burnham to strengthen online safety laws when he enters No 10 A statement led by the Online Safety Network calls on Burnham to bring in new legislation that'd be regularly updated to keep pace with evolving technology
politicshome.com
Dozens Of Organisations Urge Burnham To Strengthen Online Safety Laws
Exclusive: A coalition of charities, campaign groups, researchers and academics has urged Andy Burnham to strengthen online safety laws if, as expe...
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Neil Turkewitz @neilturkewitz.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
“Tech isn’t exceptional. Abiding by the product safety requirements found in every other industrial sector should be the norm.” @maevewalsh.bsky.social Precisely. The huge mistake we made w/ the internet/social media was abandoning a duty of care. Instead of age gating, let’s ensure accountability.
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Tech Policy Press @techpolicypress.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
A ban is a symbolic reset, writes Maeve Walsh of the @osanetwork.bsky.social, but treating social media harms as a product safety failure—not just age-gating and hoping for the best—gets at the root, and it's already doable under the UK’s existing Online Safety Act.
buff.ly
The New UK Prime Minister Inherits a Social Media Ban. The Real Goal Is Safety by Design.
Embedding safety by design is the only way to ensure substantive reduction of harms, argues Online Safety Act Network director Maeve Walsh.
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The case for decisive action to address the harms created by social media platforms has been successfully made by children, parents, safety campaigners and many others. But the Government’s announcement today does them a disservice. 1/5
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Wild that the Tories' Laura Trott has told #R4today "we tried policing content and it didn't work" as a reason for backing an all-out ban. There were plenty of people calling on the then Conservative government *not to make the #onlinesafetyact all about content* but they apparently knew best. 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Sathnam Sanghera @sathnam.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Under 16s to be banned from social media, and a white supremacist who fuels riots on our streets, still allowed to run a whole platform.
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Until we see the details of what's in, what's out and how *it* (gestures vaguely at politically motivated, headline-grabbing mess) will be implemented, this from Emily Darlington is your must-read primer. #socialmedia #onlinesafetyact www.politico.eu/article/soci...
politico.eu
I’m a mum. Here’s why banning social media for under 16s won’t work.
I want kids to be safe online, but I don’t believe an Australia-style outright ban is the solution.
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Alan Beattie @alanbeattie.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
So X is poisonous enough to keep our kids from but still the preferred app of communication by government departments? Many have said it but I'll say it again: WTA yellow rubbery F?
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Prospect union - which represents civil service comms staff - has called on the Govt to leave X saying Govt use of it "legitimises it as a platform, and also results in civil service communications officers having to wade through racist content while doing their jobs." bectu.org.uk/news/prospec...
bectu.org.uk
Prospect calls for the Government to leave X
Following ongoing political interference and the promotion of far right content on Elon Musk's social media platform...
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
We are proud to join over 100 organisations and campaigners standing with Jess Asato MP in her significant, and brave, step to seek accountability from xAI, not just for herself but the countless women and girls harmed, as reported in @the-independent.com: 1/5 www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/poli...
independent.co.uk
More than 100 campaigners back MP suing Elon Musk’s xAI over deepfake images of her
Exclusive: Jess Asato says the support she has received ‘feels like a shout for women’s freedom on the internet’
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
It's time for Labour to deliver on the promise made in Opposition to revise the Online Safety Act to address exactly this (and put back in everything else the Tories removed from the legislation that might have helped the mess we're in now.) A promise made by ... erm ... Lucy Powell.
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Rob Blackie @robblackie.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Labour defending Twitter is a good example of why they are so ineffective in government: utterly unwilling to take decisions which have any controversy attached.
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Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Repost if you’d like me to represent the UK at #Eurovision 2027.
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Rachel Coldicutt @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
I know I've talked about this before, but I do think the secret for progressive politics in the UK is unlocking the power of the capable, liberal, pissed-off middle-aged woman. One of worst things about McSweeneyism has been the tedious, boarish sexism that pushed through tedious, illiberal policies
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
If the government wants to tackle the "online breeding ground of antisemitism" why on earth are Keir Starmer, the government and @heidialexander.bsky.social still posting on X? www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
bbc.co.uk
Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: Labour minister says government needs to tackle online 'breeding ground' of antisemitism
Shortly, we'll also hear from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Green Party leader Zack Polanski ahead of next week's elections.
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Steve Peers @stevepeers.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
*stares in European*
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Tits McGee @scientits.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Talking of banger tweets
David Hughes tweet, 2015 

Judas: still on for Friday?
Jesus: Friday?
Judas: yeah, the last supper
Jesus: the what?
Judas: supper. Normal supper with the fellas
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
@ofcom.bsky.social Chair job spec: a particular focus is #onlinesafety Successful candidate (according to @financialtimes.com): no relevant experience. Hard to see the logic, esp when #DSIT SofS has spent months berating the regulator over #onlinesafetyact enforcement www.ft.com/content/bdcc...
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
@ofcom.bsky.social Chair job spec: a particular focus is #onlinesafety Successful candidate (according to @financialtimes.com): no relevant experience. Hard to see the logic, esp when #DSIT SofS has spent months berating the regulator over #onlinesafetyact enforcement www.ft.com/content/bdcc...
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
And the House of Lords agreed: Baroness Kidron's amendment passed and now goes to the Commons. 👇🏼
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Tonight, the documentary, Molly vs. The Machines will be shown at 9pm on Channel 4. It tells the heartbreaking story of Molly Russell who tragically took her own life aged just 14 after viewing harmful content online. Molly’s story, as told by her family and friends, is not an isolated one. 1/
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Our initial response to the Government's consultation on children's #onlinesafety, which is due to be published later this morning. More to follow once we've seen the detail. 👉🏼 www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/res...
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Rachel Coldicutt @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
In 2016, 1000s of AI researchers and business leaders signed this open letter calling for a ban on lethal autonomous weapons. futureoflife.org/open-letter/... Worth having a little scroll through some of the names highlighted in the top 100.
futureoflife.org
Autonomous Weapons Open Letter: AI & Robotics Researchers - Future of Life Institute
2016 (>30k signatures) open letter for AI and Robotics researchers calling for ban on offensive autonomous weapons beyond meaningful human control.
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Wild that the person who did so much to derail and delay *her own government* from passing the #onlinesafetybill back in 2022, adding a further year's delay before it became law, is now accusing the current government of "dragging its heels" on children's #onlinesafety. #onlinesafetyact
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Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Overseas tycoons such as Elon Musk would be barred from giving substantial donations to UK political parties under new legislation to block companies making gifts if they do not have British owners or make sufficient revenue in the country www.ft.com/content/f4ed...
ft.com
UK to ban political party donations from foreign-owned companies
Government says new legislation will curb overseas interference in elections
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Adil Ray @adilray.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Radcliffe should remember we immigrants and children of immigrants are here because of British colonisation and make a huge contribution. He moved to Monaco to avoid £4bn tax. His club Man U owes everything to migrant players and migrant supporters. He’s an embarrassment to the club and game.
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Anna Dent @annadent.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
If you love cats, or are wondering if you could, have a read of this thread. Little furry tyrants who are also extremely cuddly and sweet
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
💯 this from @nickmacpherson.bsky.social
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Sam Jeffers @worklesshard.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Someone should build a tool so you can give the big global elite meetups an "Epstein Score". Munich Security Conference next week...
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Sharon O'Dea @sharonodea.com · 06/02/2026
I’m curious what government agencies are doing to support the staff they’ve tasked with running their accounts on X, who now risk seeing abusive materials and CSAM in the course of their work. (I previously headed up social for Dep Int Trade, if I still was I would refuse to make my team do this)
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
@ofcom.bsky.social has today published an "update" on its investigation into #Grok and the #ICO has announced it's opening one of its own. Here's our response on why both regulators need to up their game and why gaps in the #onlinesafetyact must be filled. www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/osa...
onlinesafetyact.net
Response to Ofcom update on Grok
Ofcom has today issued an update on its investigation into Grok. In summary, the regulator says that the investigation is proceeding and it will take time; no timescales are given for its completion n...
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Maeve Walsh @maevewalsh.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
This.👌🏻 youtube.com/watch?v=5Wd1...
youtube.com
Pulp - The Day Before You Came (ABBA Cover) in the Radio 2 Piano Room
YouTube video by BBC Music
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Fantastic piece by @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social:
theguardian.com
How much did the Epstein poison infect Britain? Starmer had better find out, and fast | Gaby Hinsliff
Serious questions need to be asked about Mandelson, Andrew and what the PM knew when. The credibility of UK politics is on the line, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff
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Gaby Hinsliff @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
there's a lot in this piece but the Mandelson email about angling for some kind of job at JP Morgan because 'i do not want to live by salary alone' just exemplifies everything people hate about politicians, the City, and revolving doors between the two www.ft.com/content/91e8...
ft.com
JPMorgan should ‘threaten’ UK over banker tax, Mandelson told Epstein
Former business secretary has quit the Labour Party in an effort to avoid causing it ‘further embarrassment’
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Mark O’Neill 🐻 @radiobeartime.com · 02/02/2026
Mate, the whole point of vetting is to determine if they are lying. Your explanation just makes the situation worse!
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Social media really has ruined Commons scrutiny in that nobody hunts in a pack anymore, it's just 'would the minister like to repeat his statement but for *my* Facebook clip' these days.
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
🆕 Today we're publishing a code for improved #onlinesafety for election candidates, developed with experts at @demos-uk.bsky.social @counterhate.com @isdglobal.org @jocoxfoundation.bsky.social @wfd.org @fawcettsociety.bsky.social @fullfact.org & #ElectHer 1/2 www.onlinesafetyact.net/analysis/imp...
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Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
and no I haven't put the Mandelson-Epstein-Reinaldo scoop on twitter we journalists *can* make Bluesky the place to break news
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Rachel Coldicutt @rachelcoldicutt.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Men, more able than women to judge truthfulness AND fight geese yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
Men are more likely than women to think they can win animal fights...
As with the US results, British women are less confident in combatting all forms of furry foe than British men are - although this distinction vanishes to almost nothing for the very scariest of beasts.
Just as in the US, British men are most likely to think they can beat geese (58%) and medium-sized dogs (54%) when compared to British women (32% and 23% respectively).
What animal could Britons beat in a fight? Compared to women, men feel most able to take on medium-sized dogs and geese
Which of the following animals, if any, do you think you could beat in a fight if you were unarmed? % of 2,082 GB adults
Rat
House cat
Goose
Medium sized dog
Eagle
Large dog
Chimpanzee
King Cobra
Kangaroo
Wolf
32
Women
57 0
58 0
• 54
Men
• 77
• 75
58
9
•
2
23
28
• 20
15
1つ
yougov.co.uk
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Kate Bevan @katebevan.com · 25/01/2026
Rare RT of myself, because there is a delightful thread of cats (plus the odd canine interloper) in response to this and I'm sure your timeline could do with some wholesome pet pics.
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Jess Asato MP @jessasatomp.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
This week, an X user created an AI video of me being chloroformed and prepared for rape. Victims are told it's not real and they're getting offended for no reason. But nudification tools are weapons of sexual assault, and the harm they cause is real 👇 jessasato.substack.com/p/ai-nudific...
jessasato.substack.com
AI nudification: the latest weapon of violence against women and girls
In Julie Burchill’s recent article in the Spectator, Does it really matter if Grok undresses us all?, she makes the argument that those who, like me, have repeatedly had their clothes removed by socia...
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Online Safety Network @osnetwork.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
🚨 Lord Nash won the vote on his #socialmedia amendment in the Lords last night - read the transcript here, including Baroness Kidron on #safetybydesign & support from Lord Clement-Jones & Viscount Colville for our proposals to strengthen the #onlinesafetyact 👇🏻 hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2026-0...
hansard.parliament.uk
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill' on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
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