Tech executives from TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have refuted claims that their platforms are addictive amid concerns about inadequate measures to safeguard children online.
During a hearing 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 followed a recent US trial where Meta was found to have deliberately created addictive social media platforms, leading to an ongoing appeal by the tech giant. TikTok, also involved in the trial, settled before proceedings.
When directly asked by Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden about their efforts to address addiction issues, the executives dismissed the idea that their platforms are inherently addictive. Stimson highlighted Meta’s implementation of safety features, such as an algorithm reset that reduced online time by 50 million hours and the ability for parents to set 15-minute app limits.
Law echoed this sentiment, emphasizing TikTok’s introduction of screen time restrictions for under 16s, parental monitoring tools, and a meditation feature to help teenagers unwind. Both executives stressed their commitment to ongoing evaluation and collaboration to provide users with a balanced online experience.
While acknowledging their efforts to protect young users, the executives conceded that current age verification technology is not foolproof. They emphasized restrictions in place for underage users and pledged to enhance age verification processes.
Chair of the committee, Helen Hayes, criticized the tech leaders for ineffective safety measures, citing cases of young children being exposed to harmful content on TikTok. Law acknowledged the challenge of age verification accuracy and the need for continuous improvement in addressing risky aspects of the platform.
In response to the session, Voaden expressed frustration at the denial of platform addiction by social media giants, emphasizing the urgent need for action from these companies.
Recent legal developments in the US highlighted the intentional creation of addictive platforms by Meta and Google, resulting in a significant damages award to an affected individual.
As the UK government considers a social media ban for under 16s, alternative measures like curfews, higher digital consent age, usage caps, and restrictions on addictive design features are being explored to mitigate online risks for young users.