Big tech CEOs grilled in Senate hearing on child safety online

Senators lashed out against the CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X (Twitter), Snapchat and Discord for the rampant sexual exploitation of children on their platforms during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday.

What happened?
The lawmakers likened the companies to Big Tobacco and Boeing, accusing them of having “blood on their hands.” Meta and TikTok faced the most scrutiny, with questions about child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and abuse incidents on their sites. 

Families of CSAM victims in attendance expressed skepticism about the social media policies and crackdowns the CEOs said their companies have implemented to ensure child safety.

During intense questioning, Sen. Josh Hawley pressured Meta CEO to apologize to the victims’ families. Mark Zuckerberg rose from his chair and said, “I’m sorry for everything you have all been through,” acknowledging their suffering. He further added that the company is investing and making changes to prevent harm to children.

The tense four-hour session concluded with the social media heads being pressed for commitments on bills aimed at safeguarding children online.

The pressure led to Snapchat’s Evan Spiegel and X’s Linda Yaccarino agreeing to support the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). But others, including Zuckerberg and TikTok’s Shou Zi Chew, did not commit.

Senators want to pass bills that would make it easier to sue social media platforms.

Overall, the Senate hearing underscored the urgent need for congressional action on online child safety. Lawmakers acknowledged their own role in the problem—since the Big Tech lobby is very influential in Capitol Hill—and pledged to hold companies accountable.