Ipswich MP Tom Hunt praises new 'epilepsy trolling' bill

'Zach's Law' was brought to the Online Safety Bill in December to protect people with epilepsy from malicious posts designed to cause seizures.

The amendement was named after Zach Eagling, who was exposed to seizure-inducing flashing images online when he was eight.

"I’m very pleased to see that epilepsy trolling is being made into a punishable offence in the Online Safety Bill," said Mr Hunt. 

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt (Image: House of Commons)

"I introduced my Flashing Images Bill to Parliament in June after I heard the story of Zach Eagling from Yorkshire. Zach, who has epilepsy and cerebral palsy and raised over £20,000 for the Epilepsy Society, was eight when he was targeted by online bullies who sent him flashing images.

"I’m thankful to the minister for recognising my work on this issue in his opening speech.

"It was clear we need to send a message that this kind of abuse targeting the vulnerable is not acceptable."

Zach Eagling, who has autism and cerebral palsy, defied his conditions to walk 130 laps of his garden for charity in 2020. 

After the challenge he was targeted by hundreds of bullies online. 

The bill has been named after Zach Eagling, who was targeted by online bullies at the age of eight (Image: PA)

Since then, Zach and his family have since become campaigners on the issue.

The new law could now see so-called 'epilepsy trolls' face a fine or even a jail sentence.

"A lot of work has gone into this issue, especially from Zach, the Epilepsy Society, and my colleagues Dean Russell and Suzanne Webb who brought the amendment," added Mr Hunt. 

"I'm very glad the campaign has paid off and this protection has been incorporated into the Online Safety Bill as Zach’s law.

"I plan to meet with the minister to discuss whether my bill is still needed and what more we can do to protect people with epilepsy from targeted abuse."