WATCH: 'I'm sorry for everything' - Mark Zuckerberg apologises to victims of online child abuse
Zuckerberg gathered with other social media bosses at a congressional hearing for Online Child Sexual Exploitation at Capitol Hill in Washington States yesterday.
Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman about trending online news including Mark Zuckerberg's viral apology to parents and victims of Online Child Sexual Exploitation made accessible and easy on his Meta social media apps.
Skip to 5:50 for this story.
Friedman reports that Mark Zuckerberg gathered with other social media bosses at a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill at Washington States yesterday, 31 January 2024.
Zuckerberg was in attendance with the CEOs of TikTok, X and other social media companies who went before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify at a hearing for Online Child Sexual Exploitation.
At the hearing, parents and family of victims of sexual child abuse online who gathered to share their testimony about how it's affected their lives.
"Children have been hurt through this thing he has created [Facebook] and that's not okay. You have to take responsibility."
Barbara Friedman, CapeTalk Correspondent
At some point during the hearing, a senator asked Zuckerberg if he wanted to apologise to those present for the impact that social media has on children.
Zuckerberg apologised.
The Meta CEO stood up, turned around to face the parents and families who were holding pictures of their kids affected by online abuse,
"I'm sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer."
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO - Meta
Watch Zuckerberg's full apology below.
Friedman says the apology was "quite powerful" and hopes that some change comes from it.
"It is quite powerful. The other bosses of the online platforms didn't apologise but he did. He is 39 years old and maybe he can change. Maybe this is his Damascus moment."
Barbara Friedman, CapeTalk Correspondent
"But what is he going to do about it? I think I am a bit skeptical," comments Friedman but hopes for meaningful change.
"I think no matter how many checks and balances you put in place, the online community is hard to police. Let's hope he remains authentic in his apology and that he is going to do something about this."
Barbara Friedman, CapeTalk Correspondent
As for the outcome of other social media platforms:
It's reported that Snapchat broke ranks ahead of the hearing and is backing a federal bill that would create a legal liability for apps and social platforms that recommend harmful content to minors. Snapchat's CEO Evan Spiegel reiterated the company’s support on Wednesday and asked the industry to back the bill.
TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew said the company is vigilant about enforcing its policy barring children under 13 from using the app.
X's CEO, Linda Yaccarino said the platform doesn’t cater to children.
Meta is being sued by dozens of states that say it deliberately designs features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation.