Dale Vince, founder of green energy supplier Ecotricity, has unveiled a no-frills mobile plan amid parents fears over impact of social media on kids
A Labour donor has pre-empted any moves by the government to block kids’ access to social media.
Outspoken Dale Vince slammed what he called tech giants’ “unfettered access to our children”, singling out billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.
Following what he said was the number one ask of parents, the founder of green energy firm Ecotricity has now launched a mobile plan that allows children unlimited calls and texts – but no internet access.
Millionaire Mr Vince claimed the old school style plan was needed given the harmful content children are exposed to, as he urged ministers to act.
It comes amid pressure on the government to impose a ban on under-16s access to social media platforms.
READ MORE: Dad walked out of pool on Tenerife lads’ holiday and spent next four weeks in hospital
Last month saw more than 60 Labour MPs urge PM Keir Starmer to follow the example of Australia, which brought in a ban in December. Several other countries are said to be considering similar laws. Sir Keir has not ruled out introducing a ban, saying “all options are on the table”
Mr Dale’s numerous businesses is Ecotalk, which piggybacks industry giant EE’s mobile network and uses profits to fund land restoration and rewilding projects.
It has just launched a new SIM only mobile plan called Just Talk that offers unlimited UK calls and texts from £4 a month. Unlike most such options on the market, it doesn’t allow internet access.
Mr Vince said: “We’ve launched a Just Talk tariff to stop the likes of Musk and Zuckerberg from having unfettered access to our kids. It’s the one thing our customers asked for most – especially parents: a phone that keeps you in touch without dragging you online. This new initiative makes phones phones again and kids kids again We’ve got a problem with irresponsible tech platforms serving up content that piles pressure and risk onto young people.
“We’re not waiting for Westminster to find its backbone – we’re acting now with our kids SIM. We’re saving children from the clutches of the tech bros. “
Ecotalk was founded by Mr Vincent in 2018. It is working with Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who has become its chief ecologist, to reintroduce, rewild and replant across two sites in Sussex and Devon.
