The subcommittee recently took testimony from a former Facebook data scientist, who laid out internal company research showing that the company’s Instagram photo-sharing service appears to seriously harm some teens.

Edward Markey, D-Mass., said at a hearing by the Senate Commerce subcommittee on consumer protection. “The problem is clear: Big Tech preys on children and teens to make more money,” Sen.

But they received little firm commitment. WASHINGTON - Senators put executives from YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat on the defensive Tuesday, questioning them about what they’re doing to ensure young users’ safety on their platforms.Ĭiting the harm that can come to vulnerable young people from the sites - ranging from eating disorders to exposure to sexually explicit content and material promoting addictive drugs - the lawmakers also sought the executives' support for legislation bolstering protection of children on social media.