Nick Clegg visits Google to discuss privacy issues and cyber-bullying

10.35.00am GMT Thu 12th Mar 2009

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg will visit Google today to meet with senior executives to discuss internet privacy issues and the rise of cyber-bullying.

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace, as well as email and instant messaging are increasingly used by young people as new ways to bully and intimidate vulnerable children.

Statistics show that the equivalent of one 12-15 year old is being cyber-bullied every minute, but over half of parents do not know where to get information about how to protect their children online.

Nick Clegg will also be raising the concerns of privacy campaigners about the impact of so-called ‘behavioural targeting’ which is currently being piloted by Google.

Commenting ahead of his visit, Nick Clegg said:

"The internet offers cutting edge services - but sometimes they can cut both ways, hurting the vulnerable as well as benefiting others.

"Bullied children could previously go home to escape their tormenters, but the internet now means that bullies follow their victims inside the family home.

"Like many parents I share the anxiety about the dangers of children being online. Parents who just want to protect their children but do not know how will welcome any support from pioneering firms like Google.

"I’m looking forward to discussing with Google how they can help give parents and young people the tools they need to tackle the rise of cyber-bullying."