Meta faces allegations of hiding child safety risks in VR research

In the United States, Meta Platforms, Inc., founded by Mark Zuckerberg, is under scrutiny following allegations made by current and former employees about the suppression of research related to child safety in virtual reality (VR). Internal documents filed with Congress reveal that after a series of leaked studies in 2021, the company reportedly employed its legal team to review and alter internal research findings that could expose potential dangers associated with children and adolescents using its VR services. The allegations suggest that Meta's actions were designed to create 'plausible deniability' regarding any adverse impacts of its products on young users. Despite the company's denial of any wrongdoing, the allegations highlight concerns regarding corporate transparency and accountability in safeguarding minors. Some documents disclosed indicate that employees faced pressure to avoid publishing findings that could generate negative publicity or lead to legal repercussions. Moreover, one example cited involved a lawyer who advised a user experience researcher against collecting data that could indicate usage by minors, which reflects a broader trend in the tech industry to prioritize business interests over ethical considerations. In response to the unfolding situation, Meta insists that it has made strides in researching youth safety since early 2022. A spokesperson emphasized that nearly 180 studies relating to social issues, including youth well-being, have been sanctioned by the company. Meta claims these efforts have led to significant product enhancements aimed at improving safety measures for young users, such as new supervision tools for parents to track their teens’ activities in VR, as well as automatic protections for minors. However, critics point to the delayed implementation of parental controls, which were reportedly only introduced after regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on its compliance with child protection laws. Additionally, an apparent disconnect between Meta’s internal practices and public statements was highlighted by former employees like Jason Sattizahn, who described being dismissed after raising concerns regarding research limitations. Similar sentiments were echoed by another researcher who left the company due to ethical dilemmas surrounding their ability to conduct meaningful research. These personal accounts raise broader questions about workplace culture at Meta and its impact on critical research relevant to the safety of its younger users. Experts have consistently voiced warnings regarding the potential hazards of advanced digital technologies for children, emphasizing their vulnerability to exploitation and predatory behavior in online environments. The ongoing allegations have sparked conversations about regulatory oversight in tech companies, especially concerning their safety protocols for minors. As public scrutiny heightens, stakeholders within the industry brace for potential legislative changes that may reshape corporate responsibility standards, particularly as it pertains to the safety of young users engaging with immersive technologies. These developments underscore the urgent need for a reevaluation of corporate ethics in safeguarding vulnerable populations in digital spaces.