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2nd February 2018
04:50pm GMT

In a crowded field of clumsy attempts by the Conservatives at connecting with young people, this certainly is up there.
Matt Hancock MP (the app) is largely a Facebook clone that allows members to watch/comment on Matt Hancock MP (the human)’s live streams and post updates, and have group chats...about Matt Hancock. Matt has even recorded a welcome message to those who download his app, delivered with the flourish of a hostage begging the authorities to meet the demands of their kidnappers.
But credit where it’s due. Hancock is pushing boundaries here. Not only has he become the first MP ever to launch their own app, but he is actively trying to engage people – ostensibly his West Suffolk constituents – in politics, and connect in a new and innovative way.
Hancock - whose name can in absolutely no way be used to make jokes - has offered those who download the app the opportunity to add comments. A feature that will certainly not be hijacked.
The app has been criticised by some, however, for its privacy flaws - which is ironic given that as Culture Secretary, part of Hancock’s role is to oversee data protection laws in the UK.
It was pointed out by some that even when users opt to deny the app access to their phone’s photos, it is still able to post them.
https://twitter.com/tomb8man/status/959020943296401409
I spent some time on the app. For research purposes, you understand. I...errr...downloaded it for the articles, and whilst still in its infancy, the community on there is thriving. It highlights the best of British. People from disparate walks of life coming together with the common goal of gently mocking and subverting authority. It stands out as a beacon to good spirit in an online hellscape. It does not get much better than this.
Somewhere in Westminster, there are a couple of aides shaking their heads and going, “I can’t believe he actually agreed to it.”
https://twitter.com/ThesarusInsults/status/768806466216136704
It is refreshing to see fearless journalism such as this. In recent years, extremist voices have crept into the mainstream. Too many media outlets have been happy to accommodate these fringe voices in the quest for ‘balance’, or higher ratings.
Opportunists who have been happy to stoke anti-immigrant fears for their own political and personal gain have been allowed to radicalise followers like Osborne. LBC must be commended for shining a light on these hate preachers.
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