The CEOs of Meta, X, TikTok, Snap and Discord testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, about the measures they are taking to protect children from online sexual exploitation and other harms on their platforms.
The Hearing’s Background and Purpose
The hearing was convened by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the committee, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the ranking member, who issued subpoenas to the CEOs in November 2023, after they declined to voluntarily appear. The hearing was titled “Protecting Children from Online Sexual Exploitation: A Review of the Social Media Industry’s Response.”
The hearing was prompted by growing concerns and evidence that social media platforms are exposing children to various risks, such as cyberbullying, self-harm, eating disorders, sexual grooming, trafficking, and abuse. The senators cited several reports and lawsuits that revealed the extent and impact of these problems, and criticized the companies for failing to adequately address them.
The hearing’s goal was to examine the current policies and practices of the social media companies regarding child safety, and to inform potential legislation that would require them to do more to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation. The senators also wanted to hear from the CEOs about their plans and commitments to improve their platforms and cooperate with law enforcement and other stakeholders.
The CEOs’ Testimonies and Responses
The CEOs of Meta, X, TikTok, Snap and Discord each delivered an opening statement, in which they highlighted the positive aspects of their platforms for children and young adults, such as providing entertainment, education, creativity, and connection. They also acknowledged the challenges and responsibilities they face in ensuring a safe and healthy online environment for their users, and outlined the steps they have taken or are taking to address them.
Some of the measures they mentioned include:
- Using artificial intelligence and human moderators to detect and remove harmful content and accounts
- Implementing age verification and parental control features to limit access and exposure to inappropriate content and interactions
- Providing tools and resources to help users report and block abuse, and seek help and support
- Developing guidelines and standards to promote positive and respectful behavior and content
- Collaborating with law enforcement, government agencies, and civil society organizations to share information and best practices
- Conducting research and surveys to understand the needs and preferences of their users, and the impact of their platforms on their well-being
The CEOs also faced a series of questions from the senators, who challenged them on various issues, such as:
- The accuracy and effectiveness of their content moderation and age verification systems
- The transparency and accountability of their decision-making and data-sharing processes
- The adequacy and consistency of their enforcement and compliance actions
- The trade-offs and tensions between their business models and their social obligations
- The ethical and legal implications of their design and engineering choices
- The gaps and opportunities for improvement and innovation in their platforms and industry
The CEOs defended their platforms and their efforts, and expressed their willingness to work with the lawmakers and other partners to find solutions and balance the interests and rights of their users and stakeholders. They also acknowledged the limitations and challenges they face, and the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
The Hearing’s Outcomes and Implications
The hearing was the latest and most comprehensive attempt by Congress to hold the social media industry accountable for its role and impact on children and society. It was also the first time that the CEOs of some of the most popular and influential social media platforms appeared together before a congressional committee.
The hearing revealed the complexity and diversity of the issues and perspectives involved in the debate over online child safety, and the difficulty and urgency of finding common ground and effective solutions. It also demonstrated the power and influence of the social media companies, and the challenges and opportunities they face in fulfilling their responsibilities and expectations.
The hearing is likely to inform and influence the development and passage of legislation that would regulate the social media industry and protect children from online sexual exploitation and other harms. Some of the bills that have been proposed or are being considered by Congress include:
- The EARN IT Act, which would require social media companies to comply with best practices to prevent online child sexual exploitation, or lose their immunity from liability for user-generated content under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act
- The KIDS Act, which would require social media companies to provide age-appropriate and privacy-protective versions of their platforms for children under 16, and obtain parental consent for data collection and targeted advertising
- The SAFE TECH Act, which would limit the scope and applicability of Section 230 immunity for social media companies, and allow victims of online harms to sue them for damages
- The PROTECT Kids Act, which would require social media companies to verify the age of their users, and prohibit them from collecting or using personal information from children under 13 without parental consent
The hearing also highlighted the need for more research and data on the effects and impacts of social media on children and young adults, and the best practices and standards for designing and operating safe and healthy online platforms. It also underscored the importance of collaboration and cooperation among the social media companies, the government, the civil society, and the users, to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
