Big Tech CEOs from Meta, TikTok, Discord, Snap, and X are all set to join forces and head to CongressCongress for the social media safety hearing. The social media CEOs reportedly aim to showcase tools to increase their applications' safety for kids amidst claims of its potential harm by numerous states, as reported by Tech Crunch.
The hearing "Big Tech and the Online Child Sexual Exploitation Crisis," will reportedly be held by the Senate Judiciary Committee with aims to question the CEOs over possible risks that their products pose to teenagers, going into a wide range of issues - both new and recurring - regarding social media companies' inability to shield its younger users from offensive material.
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In this photo illustration, social media apps are seen on a mobile phone on July 29, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Tech companies frequently appease Congress by bringing legal counsel or a policy executive. Still, the most recent session will include a group of CEOs: Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Linda Yaccarino of X (previously Twitter), Shu Chew of TikTok, Jason Citron of Discord, and Evan Spiegel of Snap.
As per a CBS interview, Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican ranking member, says that their objective is to reform Section 230, a rule that protects most internet firms from user lawsuits, and pass comprehensive regulations. Graham expressed their disbelief that social media, one of the biggest industries in human history, is unregulated and that no legislation safeguards consumers.
Read Also: Florida Approves Law Banning Social Media for Teens
Social Media Safety
The hearing comes as proponents of online safety argue that social media applications' efforts to increase safety remain woefully inadequate in light of the mounting allegations that social media can harm young users, including concerns that it could push them toward despair or even suicide.
Many tools made available by social media companies are claimed to fall short of what parents and online safety advocacy groups think is necessary. Such groups contend that tech platforms can no longer self-regulate and that parents and young users must take the lead in protecting their children.
Additionally, with a presidential election approaching and state legislators deflecting attention away from their federal colleagues, Congress will likely pressure internet corporations to go beyond the features they have previously offered.
Social Media's Response
In response to this, reports state that several tech CEOs will likely highlight measures and guidelines aimed at safeguarding children and granting parents greater authority over their children's internet activities.
Several businesses, including Snap and Discord, told CNN they intend to set themselves apart from companies like Meta by stressing that they do not concentrate on providing users with algorithmically advised content in ways that could be dangerous or addicting.
Recently, Florida and New York City made waves in regulations centered on safeguarding children's safety on social media. Florida's House of Representatives reportedly mandated the deletion of all social media accounts owned by minors 16 years of age or younger.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on the other hand, declared that social networking applications are an environmental "toxin" and a public health "hazard" and attributed the primary cause to the mental health of young people.
Related Article: Social Media Officially Declared a "Toxin" by New York City Mayor
