Facebook is, once again, facing another lawsuit after U.S. lawmakers accused the giant social media platform of exploiting young users to make a profit.
In this photo illustration the Social networking site Facebook is displayed on a laptop screen on March 25, 2009 in London, England. The British government has made proposals which would force Social networking websites such as Facebook to pass on details of users, friends and contacts to help fight terrorism.
They claimed that Facebook posts could have harmful effects on teenagers, which could affect their mental health. On Thursday, Sept. 30, the online platform faced a new Senate hearing titled "Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms."
The meeting revealed some stories on how the social media company's service affects children and FB's alleged activities to downplay this issue publicly.
One of these issues revolves around its Instagram. Authorities claimed that the Facebook-owned photo-sharing application negatively affects young users, especially teen girls, specifically when it comes to their physical appearances.
Facebook To Be Forced To Change Its Children Safety Policy?
According to The Washington Post's latest report, the rising concerns about Facebook's service could make the U.S. government force it to change its Child Safety Policy.
Picture taken on May 12, 2012 in Paris shows an illustration made with figurines set up in front of Facebook's homepage. Facebook, already assured of becoming one of the most valuable US firms when it goes public later this month, now must convince investors in the next two weeks that it is worth all the hype. Top executives at the world's leading social network.
Also Read: Facebook: Instagram Head Says Kids Feature Will Be Paused to Address Backlash Concerns
"Facebook has shown us once again that it is incapable of holding itself accountable," said the Connecticut Democrat Sen. Richard Blumenthal, via CNET.
He added that Facebook doesn't care about the mental health of its young consumers. Instead, the social media giant tends to focus on its service's growth. As of the moment, U.S. lawmakers are making drastic efforts to ensure that online platforms, especially Facebook, have a child-friendly ecosystem.
Because of the issues it is facing, some experts claimed a Facebook boycott could take place. On the other hand, various Facebook-based researches show that Instagram is really toxic to teenage girls.
Facebook Removes Instagram Child Version Temporarily
Facebook is also adjusting its innovations so that the issues it is facing will no longer get worst.
One of its efforts is putting the child version of Instagram on hold. This move came after child advocacy groups forced FB to remove its new service called "Instagram Kids."
This detail was confirmed by Adam Mosseri, the current Instagram Chief Officer.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
