WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Some of the country’s biggest names in tech are getting a grilling from senators over their efforts to protect kids’ online exploitation.
It’s not the first time many of these tech leaders have appeared on Capitol Hill, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Tik Tok’s Shou Zi Chew.
The focus is on efforts to keep kids safe online, specifically from sexual exploitation.
“There’s an upside to everything here, but the dark side hasn’t been dealt with.,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
A group of senators wants to make sure tech companies that run platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok are doing everything they can to protect minors from becoming victims of sexual abuse, exploitation or trafficking.
“They’re gonna make more promises, more empty commitments. That’s why we need the legislation,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
There’s a growing push in Congress to better regulate tech platforms, following evidence they’re not prioritizing child safety.
Tech companies have repeatedly pushed back, telling Congress they are taking steps to keep kids safe on their platforms.
“The difficult reality is that no matter how much we invest or how effective our tools are, there’s always more to learn and more improvements to make. But we remain ready to work with members of this committee, industry, and parents to make the internet safer for everyone,” said Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta.
Last week Snapchat became one of the first tech platforms to endorse the Kid’s Online Safety Act which includes regulations for platforms that offer content to minors.
