Newly released U.S. court documents have increased attention on Meta Platforms, with evidence indicating the technology company stopped int...
Newly released U.S. court documents have increased attention on Meta Platforms, with evidence indicating the technology company stopped internal studies after finding connections between using Facebook and Instagram and adverse effects on users' mental well-being.
As per the documents, the worries originate from a 2020 internal initiative called "Project Mercury," where Meta (META.O) researchers collaborated with the survey company Nielsen to examine the impact of users leaving the two platforms.
Internal documents from Meta reportedly indicated that "individuals who ceased using Facebook for a week experienced reduced levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social comparison."
Nevertheless, instead of releasing the results or requesting additional inquiry, Meta is said to have halted the study, attributing the unfavorable outcomes to the "current media storyline" internally.
Even though there was this public rejection, employees reportedly told Nick Clegg, who was the head of global public policy at Meta, that the findings were reliable.
As reported by Reuters, an anonymous researcher stated that "the Nielsen study does demonstrate a causal effect on social comparison (unhappy face emoji)," while another likened concealing these results to the tobacco industry "conducting research and being aware of the harm caused by cigarettes, yet keeping that information private."
The legal action also states that even though there is recorded proof of damage, Meta informed the U.S. Congress that it was unable to ascertain if its platforms were detrimental to young females.
On Saturday, Meta's representative, Andy Stone, stated that the research was halted because of improper methods and emphasized that the company has consistently worked to enhance user security.
"The complete documentation will demonstrate that for more than ten years, we have heard from parents, studied the most important concerns, and implemented genuine improvements to safeguard teenagers," he stated.
Claims regarding major social media companies
The allegations are included in a broad submission filed late on Friday by Motley Rice, the legal firm representing U.S. school districts that are taking legal action against Meta, Google (GOOGL.O), TikTok, and Snapchat (SNAP.N).
The plaintiffs claim that the companies intentionally hid dangers linked to their services from parents, educators, and young users.
TikTok, Google, and Snapchat did not promptly provide statements when contacted.
Allegations against Meta include:
1. Creating youth safety mechanisms that are not effective, and preventing tests that might impede development.
2. Requiring 17 instances of human trafficking for sexual purposes before removing offenders—referred to internally as "a very, very, very high threshold for action."
3. Being aware that prioritizing teenage interaction led to greater access to damaging material, yet continuing forward regardless.
4. Postponing initiatives to restrict child abusers because of economic development worries, and advising security personnel to defend their lack of action.
5. According to a 2021 text message, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly mentioned that child safety was not his main focus in comparison to "building the metaverse," while disregarding multiple funding proposals from Nick Clegg.
Meta's Stone refuted the allegations, stating that the lawsuit inaccurately represents its policies and initiatives.
"We strongly oppose these claims, which are based on selectively chosen statements and incorrect viewpoints," he stated, noting that Meta now promptly removes accounts identified for sex trafficking.
The internal records mentioned in the submission are still confidential. Meta has submitted a request to remove them, contending that the plaintiffs' demand for their release is too extensive.
A hearing regarding the case is set for January 26 at the Northern California District Court.
(Reuters)
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