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The Duke of Cambridge has called on leading global social media companies to "reject the false choice of profits versus values" and to further address cyberbullying and other problems they create.
Prince William said he is concerned that "all the challenges they face – false news, extremism, polarization, hate speech, fraud, mental health, privacy and bullying – our technology leaders seem to be about to lose value.
"Technology companies still have a lot to learn about the responsibilities associated with tremendous power," said William in a speech at the BBC Broadcasting House in London, to mark Anti-Bullying Week.
Speaking of the cyberbullying task force that he set up in 2016 to support youth and their families, he admitted to being disappointed by the response from industry leaders.
"Their self-image is so rooted in their positive positive power that they seem unable to engage in constructive discussion about the social problems they create," he said.
Many positive results have been achieved via social media, he said, including the connection, friendship, family and knowledge.
"Our technical leaders are people of integrity who bring many benefits to our lives and our societies," he said. But one of the unexpected consequences was "a culture of defense".
William stated that he had convened the task force because of his concerns as a new parent, as an air ambulance pilot and his campaign on mental health.
"The journey from the inventors of the student dormitory to the leaders of some of the world's most valuable companies has been so fast that they may find it difficult to understand that their motives have changed.
"Shareholder noise, bottom-line results and profits distract them from the values that have led them so well.
"They are so proud of what they've built that they can not hear the growing concern of their users.
"And more and more, they seem resigned to taking a stand with governments and regulators, which will be defined by conflict and discord." He has not named any companies in particular.
It did not have to be that way, he said. "You have fueled incredible movements for social change. Together, you can certainly exploit the innovation to help us fight against the intolerance and cruelty that have been revealed by your platforms, "he said.
"You can reject the false choice of profit on values. You can choose to do good and succeed. "
At the BBC headquarters, he met with the Duchess of Cambridge with young people who wrote and performed a new campaign video for "Stop, Speak, Support," a youth-led code of conduct that provides guidance on measures. to take in case of harassment. The program is being rolled out in schools.
