Bosses from TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have refuted claims that their platforms are addictive amidst increasing concerns over the lack of measures to protect children online.
During a session with MPs on the Education Select Committee, Alistair Law from TikTok and Rebecca Stimson from Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, faced intense questioning. This comes after a recent US trial where Meta was accused of intentionally designing addictive social media platforms, with TikTok settling before the trial.
When directly asked by Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden about efforts to address addiction issues, both executives denied the addictive nature of their platforms. Stimson highlighted safety measures like an algorithm reset that reduced online hours and parental controls, emphasizing that they aim to prevent overconsumption.
Similarly, Law dismissed the suggestion of inherent addictiveness on TikTok, mentioning screen time limits for minors and parental monitoring features. Both executives assured ongoing efforts to understand user experiences and provide a balanced online environment.
Despite claiming robust protection measures for young users, they acknowledged shortcomings in age verification technology. While users must be at least 13 to sign up, additional safeguards are in place for minors.
Chair of the committee, Helen Hayes, criticized the tech leaders, citing instances of young children encountering harmful content on TikTok. Acknowledging challenges with age verification, both executives stressed the collective responsibility to enhance accuracy.
Following the session, Voaden expressed disappointment in the denial of addiction issues by social media giants, emphasizing the urgency for action beyond mere claims.
In a separate development, a Los Angeles court ruled against Meta and Google for creating addictive platforms that harmed mental health, awarding damages to a young woman. Meanwhile, the UK government is contemplating a social media ban for minors, considering various regulatory measures like curfews and usage limits to address addiction concerns.