Social media have been under criticism for many years due to their enormous – and often very negative – impact on the youngest users. Mark Zuckerberg was questioned in the US Congresswho was called in along with representatives from other major social media outlets (Instagram, X, TikTik and Snapchat) to explain insufficient methods to protect minors once morest exploitation and abuse.
See also: Mark Zuckerberg is building an underground shelter in Hawaii. The cost is impressive and residents are complaining
The hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee started off with a bang. There were guests in the room holding posters with photos of children who died as a result of social media harassment. The audience was shown a video in which young people openly confessed that they had been sexually abused via Facebook, Instagram and the former Twitter.. The culmination was the impeachment of Senator Lindsey Graham, who said, “I know you didn’t want this, but you have blood on your hands. You have a product that is killing people” According to CBS News, representatives of other major platforms were also listening: Linda Yaccarino (“X”), Evan Spiegel (Snap inc.), Shou Zi Chew (TikTok) and Jason Citron (Discord).
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in front of the US Senate. “You have blood on your hands
The owner of Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has been grilled for failing to adequately protect children who consume online contentwhich translates into minor nutritional problems, violence, persecution and unrealistic beauty standards.
Read also in BUSINESS INSIDER
CBS News quoted the harsh words of Senator Dick Durbin, who addressed all social media representatives at the hearing. He accused them of not really being able to protect children from online sexual exploitation. “Discord has been used to search for, kidnap and exploit children. Instagram helped create and promote pedophile networks. Disappearing messages on Spanchat serve criminals who financially blackmail young victims” – said Senator Durbin, whose words were quoted by CBS News.
After harsh words, most of which were directed at Facebook, the head of Meta sent a sincere apology to the victims’ families. “I’m sorry for everything that happened to you. No one should experience the things and suffering that happened to your families. That is why we are investing so much and intend to continue extensive processes to prevent suffering,” said Mark Zuckerbeg, whose words were quoted by CBS News. The head of Meta announced, among other things, that the website will block undesirable and potentially dangerous content from underage users .
See also: Mark Zuckerberg believes in the power of AI. However, his investment is a real lottery
Representatives of other social media also spoke during the hearing. The head of “X” (former Twitter) admitted that her website has actively supported legislation that helps victims of child abuse. A representative of TikTok, which has been grilled for causing enormous damage to children’s mental health, has revealed that its policy prohibiting people under 13 from using the platform will be strengthened. He also added that the company will spend nearly USD 2 billion on activities to improve user safety.
