Backed by the news brand’s Unmask the Online Trolls crusade, Zach Eagling has been campaigning to criminalise abusers who trigger seizures by sending flashing messages
Eagling, who also lives with cerebral palsy, launched his campaign last year, emulating his hero Captain Sir Tom Moore by completing laps of his garden totalling 2.6 miles. The fundraiser made £20,000 for the Epilepsy Society.
However, in an attempt to trigger seizures, trolls bombarded the social media pages linked to the event with hundreds of flashing messages, GIFs and garish pictures.
With “Zach’s Law” now under consideration as part of the wider Online Safety Bill, the government has two months in which to consider the proposals, which include a range of internet threats.
Speaking about the success of the campaign so far, the Daily Express’ editor-in-chief Gary Jones said: “As soon as we heard about Zach’s plight, we knew we had to help. It’s fantastic news to see “Zach’s Law” has been included as a recommendation in the Draft Online Safety Bill.
“The law needs to be changed and criminals brought to justice, and that is why it’s vital in situations like these we help wherever we can.
“Compassionate campaigning sits at the heart of the Express and we’ve had a victorious year! We’ve successfully campaigned for Kuvan to be made available on the NHS for children suffering with PKU, a compassionate benefits system for the terminally ill, and £50million for the creation of a MND Research Institute. Campaigning is our life blood and I’m excited about what we’ll be throwing our weight behind in 2022.”
