We acknowledge the significance of your online privacy and acknowledge that granting us permission to collect some personal information requires a great deal of trust. We seek this consent as it enables Distinct Post to offer a platform that amplifies the voices of the marginalized. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Distinct PostDistinct Post
Aa
  • Home
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict
  • World
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Royals
Reading: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologizes to families in attendance as a result of social media harms
Share
Aa
Distinct PostDistinct Post
  • Home
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict
  • World
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Royals
Search
  • Home
  • Israel-Gaza Conflict
  • World
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Royals
Follow US
Distinct Post > Business > Tech > Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologizes to families in attendance as a result of social media harms
meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-apologizes-to-families-in-attendance-as-a-result-of-social-media-harms
Tech

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologizes to families in attendance as a result of social media harms

Kelly Tyler Published February 1, 2024
SHARE

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued a public apology to families, in a US Senate hearing, who claimed their children had suffered harm as a result of social media content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

The hearing, lasting almost four hours, saw Zuckerberg, along with the heads of TikTok, Snap, X, and Discord, facing tough questions from senators on their efforts to protect children online.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin swears in Jason Citron of Discord, Evan Spiegel of Snap, Shou Chew of TikTok, Linda Yaccarino of Twitter/X, and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta for hearing on Big Tech and child sexual exploitation. pic.twitter.com/wGG9dtAOq3

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) January 31, 2024

Lawmakers seized the rare opportunity to question tech executives, focusing on the protection of children from online sexual exploitation.

The CEOs were confronted with allegations of self-harm and suicide linked to social media content, with families of victims present in the hearing room. Senators pressed the tech bosses on their responsibility and actions to safeguard children on their platforms.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew faced questioning about his company’s data practices, with specific emphasis on potential collaboration with the Chinese government.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew says the CCP isn't controlling TikTok:

"We have not been asked for any data by the Chinese government, and we have never provided it.” pic.twitter.com/woNTgXezOI

— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 31, 2024

Chew, a Singaporean, denied any affiliation with the Chinese Communist Party and asserted TikTok’s commitment to addressing concerns raised during the hearing. He acknowledged the gravity of the issues discussed, emphasizing his role as a father of three.

Mark Zuckerberg, no stranger to Congressional hearings, faced intense scrutiny, particularly from Republican Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz questioned Zuckerberg about Instagram’s handling of potential child sexual abuse material, prompting Zuckerberg to promise a personal investigation.

Ted Cruz destroys Mark Zuckerberg over child s*xu*l exploitation material🔥

The media only ever talks about CSE on X even though it’s a much bigger problem on Instagram.

They don’t actually care about CSE.

They’re just terrified of free speech on X. pic.twitter.com/rCbwVF7nMa

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 31, 2024

In another exchange with Senator Josh Hawley, Mark Zuckerberg publicly apologized to the families in attendance, acknowledging the severity of their experiences.

NEW: Josh Hawley goes off on Mark Zuckerberg and forces him to stand up, turn around and apologize to families who were impacted by child exploitation on META platforms.

Humiliating.

"You didn't take any action. You didn't fire anybody."

"There's families of victims here… pic.twitter.com/YqRfWRVSlk

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 31, 2024

The heart of the hearing revolved around the tech companies’ stance on pending legislation in Congress aimed at holding them accountable for content on their platforms.

In June 2023, the @WSJ ran a story about the existence of a “vast pedophile network” on Instagram.

Yet, Mark Zuckerberg could not explain to me how this content does not violate Meta’s terms of service.

Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/na7Z7YlaDF

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) January 31, 2024

Discord CEO Jason Citron faced a tense exchange with Senator Lindsey Graham, highlighting reservations about proposed bills related to online safety. The CEOs were urged to support bipartisan legislation, with Senator Graham warning that waiting for tech companies to solve the problem may be futile.

WATCH: Jason Citron (@Discord) complete opening statement at Senate Judiciary hearing on Online Child Sexual Exploitation. pic.twitter.com/8caVhnQzTh

— CSPAN (@cspan) January 31, 2024

Following the hearing, parents of victims staged a rally outside, urging lawmakers to swiftly pass the Kids Online Safety Act. Many shared personal stories, emphasizing the urgency of legislative action.

Former Meta senior staff member Arturo Béjar criticized the company’s approach, stating that Meta needed to take responsibility for creating a safe environment for teens.

Arturo Béjar, former Meta engineer and whistleblower, tried to change the platform from the inside.

Meta has the money and technology to protect us, but they lack the will. pic.twitter.com/U8yvYR9tSq

— Design It For Us (@DesignItForUs) January 31, 2024

During the hearing, tech giants disclosed the number of content moderators employed on their platforms. Meta and TikTok, with the largest user bases, reported 40,000 moderators each, while Snap, X, and Discord disclosed their respective moderation workforce numbers. 

Discord, previously questioned about child abuse prevention, noted having “hundreds” of moderators.

Social media industry analyst Matt Navarra commented on the hearing, noting the familiar pattern of political grandstanding. Despite bipartisan agreement on the need for regulation, Navarra expressed skepticism about whether the hearing would lead to significant regulatory changes. 

He emphasized the absence of substantial regulation in the US social media landscape in 2024.

You Might Also Like

Strongest Evidence of Life Beyond Earth Found on Planet K2-18b

AI-Powered Travel Planning Takes Over: The Decline of Traditional Travel Agencies

Trump Eases Tariff Pressure with Tech Exemptions on Chinese Electronics

TikTok U.S. Deal Delayed as China Pushes Back Amid Rising Tariff Tensions

Trump Confirms TikTok Sale Deal Expected Before Saturday’s Deadline

Kelly Tyler February 1, 2024 February 1, 2024
Popular News
Entertainment

Kylie Jenner Takes TikTok by Storm with Hilarious Justin Bieber Filter Video

Jake Miller Jake Miller December 20, 2023
Australia will ban disposable vape imports from next year
Meghan Markle’s Support Elevates Ethical Jewelry Brand on BBC’s Dragon’s Den
Amber Heard’s Blink-and-You-Miss-It Appearance in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ Trailer
Jennifer Aniston’s Heartfelt Reaction to Matthew Perry’s Tragic Passing

Categories

  • Market
  • Tech
  • Fitness
  • Food
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • Movies
    • Television
  • Style
    • Arts
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
  • Health
    • Fitness
    • Food
  • Sports
    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Olympics
  • Business
    • Market
    • Tech
Useful Links
  • About us
  • Privacy policy
  • Term Of Use

2023 © Distinct Post News & Media. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?