Meta Accused of Concealing Child Safety Risks in Virtual Reality Products

Meta Accused of Covering Up Potential Child Harms in Virtual Reality Products Two former Meta safety researchers testified before a US Senate committee on Tuesday, alleging that the social media giant covered up potential harms to children stemming from its virtual reality (VR) products. The whistleblowers claimed that Meta lawyers intervened to shape internal research that could have flagged risks. Jason Sattizahn and Cayce Savage, who once led research on the youth user experience for Meta's VR platforms, told senators that the company demanded researchers erase evidence of sexual abuse risk on those products. They also alleged that Meta instructed in-house researchers to avoid work that could produce evidence of harm from its VR products to children. "This is a clear example of how corporate interests can lead to a culture of silence and cover-up," Sattizahn said during the hearing. "Meta has chosen to ignore the problems they created and bury evidence of users' negative experiences." Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, denied the allegations in a statement released ahead of the hearing. The company referred to the claims as "nonsense" and stated that it takes user safety seriously. The allegations come on the heels of a Washington Post report detailing the whistleblowers' claims. The report alleged that Meta lawyers intervened to shape internal research that could have flagged risks, including potential child exploitation. Background and Context Meta's VR products, such as Oculus, have been criticized for their lack of adequate safety measures and content moderation. In 2020, a report by the Center for Humane Technology found that VR platforms were vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The allegations against Meta highlight concerns about the tech industry's handling of user safety and its willingness to prioritize profits over people. "This is not just a problem with Meta, it's a systemic issue within the tech industry," said Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist who has studied the impact of social media on children. Additional Perspectives The allegations have sparked debate about the role of technology in shaping society and the responsibility of companies to protect users. "As we continue to develop more advanced technologies, it's essential that we prioritize user safety and well-being," said Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee. Current Status and Next Developments The hearing marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about tech industry accountability. The US Senate committee has vowed to investigate the allegations further and explore ways to improve user safety on VR platforms. Meta's response to the allegations remains unclear, but the company has stated that it will continue to prioritize user safety and well-being. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: the tech industry must take responsibility for its actions and prioritize user safety above profits. What's Next? The US Senate committee will hold further hearings on the matter in the coming weeks. Meta has promised to cooperate with the investigation and provide additional information about its VR products and safety measures. In the meantime, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability within the tech industry. "This is a wake-up call for companies like Meta," said Dr. Twenge. "It's time for them to take responsibility for their actions and prioritize user safety above profits." *Reporting by Bbc.*