TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Congress to take action to protect children on social media platforms. This comes as CEOs from major tech companies, including Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on the issue of online child sexual exploitation.
In a statement, Attorney General Moody expressed her concerns about the lack of accountability and the harm caused by these platforms. She said, "Big Tech CEOs think they are untouchable, and they have had free rein over our children online for way too long. Florida is taking action, but we need Congress to hold these companies that target our kids accountable for the problems they have created."
One of the major actions taken by Attorney General Moody is a civil action against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The complaint alleges that Meta knowingly designed and deployed features on its platforms that aim to addict children and teens. It further accuses Meta of misleading the public about the psychological and health impacts of its platforms on young users. The complaint also claims that Meta collected data from young users without parental consent.
Regarding Meta's response to the allegations, Attorney General Moody said, "Meta has made minor changes to enhance youth protections, but more needs to be done. Florida's allegations have yet to be adequately addressed."
Attorney General Moody has been actively working to protect children online. Last year, she invited Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking about the use of social media in facilitating human trafficking. A survey conducted by the council found that more than half of the reported instances of social media platform use in human trafficking were attributable to Meta platforms.
Additionally, Attorney General Moody has raised concerns about the popular app TikTok. She has warned parents about the potential harm and danger associated with the app and recommended deleting it from children's devices to protect their personal information. In collaboration with other attorneys general, she has also demanded that TikTok and Snapchat provide parental-control applications and features to monitor a child's social media usage.
Research has shown the negative impact of social media on the well-being of children and teenagers. This includes decreased self-esteem, exposure to cyberbullying, and increased vulnerability to online threats. Attorney General Moody emphasized the importance of parental-control apps in protecting children and maintaining a safe online environment.
The hearing held by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is an opportunity for Congress to address the issue of child safety on social media platforms. Attorney General Moody's call for action highlights the need for greater accountability and protection for children online.
As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen what measures Congress will take to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.