In the digital age, where so much of life happens online, what happens when someone’s story is cut short? That’s the question at the heart of Jools’ Law, a proposed bill that would give parents access to their children’s social media accounts after their death.
The push for this law comes from Ellen Roome, whose 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, tragically died in April 2022. Believing his death may have been linked to an online challenge gone wrong, she sought answers from social media platforms—only to be met with resistance.
On Monday, MPs gathered at Westminster to debate the issue after a petition calling for Jools’ Law gained over 126,000 signatures.
Jools Sweeney with his parents. Image @130422elle via Instagram
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The Battle for Access
Roome’s fight for information highlights a growing issue: parents being locked out of their deceased children’s online lives. Social media platforms cite privacy policies and data protection laws, but Roome and campaigners argue that these policies often prioritise corporations over grieving families.
“Surely I should have the right to look for answers to the cause of death?” Roome’s statement, read by Labour MP Lola McEvoy, asked. “Jools’ young friends struggle to understand why he is no longer here. We deserve possible answers or at least to try for them.”
Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson also criticised social media companies for putting Roome through what he called a “cruel and inhumane process.”
“Social media companies have placed process ahead of compassion in Jools’ case,” Wilkinson said.
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The Free Speech Dilemma
The debate over Jools’ Law comes at a time when social media companies are doubling down on free speech arguments. Wilkinson pointed to Elon Musk’s hands-off approach to X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s decision to scrap traditional moderation in favour of “community notes” as signs of a shifting landscape.
However, Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty raised a counterpoint—what about safeguarding measures? He noted that access to a child’s social media history could be dangerous if a parent or guardian does not have their best interests at heart.
What Happens Next?
Technology Minister Feryal Clark assured MPs that the Government remains committed to enforcing the Online Safety Act, but stopped short of promising immediate legislative action.
“We are focused on building the evidence base to inform any future action,” Clark said. “Working with Ellen, the Bereaved Families for Online Safety group, and other parents, we will build a better online world for our children.”
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Despite the ongoing debate, Roome remains hopeful. Speaking to the BBC after the session, she said she was “pleased” with the outcome and felt a real sense of support from MPs.
“Everybody seemed to support it. Hopefully, we can meet up with the minister to discuss going forward,” she said. “Everybody was really positive and everybody wants this to happen, I think.”
As social media continues to shape our lives, the question remains—should grieving parents have the right to access their child’s digital legacy, or does privacy extend beyond the grave?
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