The Guardian view on regulating big tech: Meta has got off too lightly
New child safety measures are welcome, but the wider risks posed by these platforms remain unaddressed
TL;DR
- Meta settled a trial with US states and territories for $18bn, avoiding admission of liability.
- New child safety features will become opt-out, and parents will gain more control over children's feeds.
- Daily time limits, night blocking, and disabling harmful filters are among the new measures.
- Critics argue the settlement did not significantly alter Meta's core business model or address wider societal harms.
- The settlement did not raise the digital age of consent from 13.
- Meta's business model is characterized as 'hook, hold, harvest and hide' by a California lawyer.
- The article highlights concerns about Meta's algorithms promoting harmful content, referencing cases of violence and genocide.
- Broader implications for societies, including addictive, tribalist, and narcissistic behaviors, are noted.
- The author suggests that further action is needed by other courts or governments to hold big tech companies accountable.