Bosses of major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, have refuted claims that their services are addictive, amid mounting concerns about safeguarding children online. Alistair Law from TikTok and Rebecca Stimson from Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, faced tough questioning from Members of Parliament on the Education Select Committee.
In a significant legal case in the US, Meta was found to have deliberately designed addictive social media platforms. While Meta is appealing the ruling, TikTok settled out of court before the trial. However, executives from both companies rejected the assertion that their platforms are addictive when directly questioned by Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden about their efforts to address the issue.
Stimson stated that they are challenging the court ruling and do not agree that their platforms are addictive. She highlighted safety measures implemented by Meta, such as an algorithm reset resulting in reduced online hours and parental controls like app time limits. She emphasized that the platforms are not meant for excessive use and various features have been introduced to prevent overconsumption.
Similarly, TikTok’s Law dismissed the idea of inherent addictiveness on their platform. He mentioned initiatives like screen time limits for minors, parental monitoring tools, and a relaxation feature for teens. He emphasized continuous evaluation, collaboration with partners, and creating tools to provide users with control and a balanced online environment.
Although they emphasized robust protection measures for young users, both executives acknowledged that the current age verification technology is not foolproof. They stated that users must be at least 13 years old to sign up, with additional safeguards for younger age groups.
During the committee meeting, Helen Hayes, a Labour MP and committee chair, criticized the tech leaders for ineffective safety measures, citing instances of young children being exposed to harmful content on TikTok. Law acknowledged the challenge and expressed the need for better age verification mechanisms for risky aspects of the platform.
Stimson also acknowledged the issue of age verification, noting efforts to enhance accuracy but recognizing the limitations of current technology. She stressed the collective responsibility to address the challenge, citing regulatory requirements for effective age verification in the Online Safety Act.
Following the session, Voaden criticized the denial of addiction by social media companies, highlighting the risks associated with their platforms and the need for immediate action. The UK government is considering measures such as a social media ban for under-16s, overnight curfews, increased digital consent age, app usage limits, and restrictions on addictive design features to address concerns about online safety and addiction.