Meta Settlement: Govt must act now to stop "another generation of children" exposed to addictive algorithms

EMBARGO: Immediate Release 

Meta Settlement: Govt must act now to stop "another generation of children" exposed to addictive algorithms 

Responding to the Meta settlement where in which they have agreed to pay up to $18bn to settle claims its platforms harm children, Munira Wilson MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, Children and Families, said:

"Today’s Meta settlement shows that social media giants know there are serious harms associated with their platforms, and they would rather keep the evidence out of court than have those dangers laid bare for the public.

"We all know what happens when addictive algorithms and harmful content are fed to our children. So if a US court can pressure Meta into making significant changes to its platforms, why is our Government still relying on optional curfews, strongly worded statements, and unworkable bans?

“If Ministers continue to sit on their hands, we are leaving another generation of children exposed to platforms designed to keep them hooked. We need a film-style age rating that incentivises platforms to remove addictive features and makes one thing absolutely clear to Big Tech: if your products aren’t safe, you don’t get access to our children.”

ENDS