Summary
States are increasingly targeting social media companies over concerns related to children’s health and safety, particularly regarding the platforms’ alleged harmful effects on young users. Recent lawsuits filed by state attorneys general highlight issues such as privacy violations, addiction, and the risks of sextortion on these platforms.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also contributed to this scrutiny by releasing a report that criticizes major social media and video streaming services for inadequate privacy protections and for engaging in extensive data collection practices. The report emphasizes the dangers posed to children and teens, noting that many platforms fail to implement effective safeguards even though they collect personal information from users, including minors. As lawmakers grapple with the implications of social media on youth mental health, states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arkansas have initiated legal actions against companies like TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, seeking accountability for practices that may endanger children’s safety. These actions reflect a growing bipartisan consensus on the need for regulatory measures to protect young users in an increasingly digital landscape.
States target social media companies over kids' health, safety as Congress hesitates
Oct. 5 / Axios / Explores state-level legal actions against social media firms, highlighting specific lawsuits and their implications for children's safety. Offers a timely perspective on accountability amid federal inaction, making it relevant. “ Attorneys general of three states in less than a week revealed separate lawsuits against social media giants for their platforms' alleged harmful effects on...
Social media platforms engaged in ‘vast surveillance’ and failed to protect young people, FTC finds
Sep. 20 / Courant / Highlights the FTC's detailed report on social media's data collection practices and their impact on youth privacy. Offers a thorough analysis of the implications for children's safety, backed by authoritative voices. “ Major social media platforms and video streaming services that gather a “staggering” amount of data from its users have failed to protect young people and...
Newsom Signs Bill That Adds Protections for Children on Social Media
Sep. 21 / The New York Times / Focuses on California's legislative response to social media's impact on youth mental health. Provides context on the growing concerns and the state's proactive measures, showcasing a significant regional approach. “ The California legislation comes amid growing concerns about the impact of cellphones and social media on adolescents’ mental health.
Social media platforms engaged in 'vast surveillance' and failed to protect young people, FTC finds
Sep. 19 / L.a. Times / Covers the FTC's report with an emphasis on social media's failures, similar to other outlets, but includes notable quotes and reactions from companies. The detailed reporting provides a comprehensive view of the issue. “ Major social media platforms and video streaming services that gather a “staggering” amount of data from its users have failed to protect young people and...
FTC says social networks' data privacy, safety policies are 'woefully inadequate'
Sep. 19 / The Hill / Presents a concise overview of the FTC's findings, emphasizing the platforms' failures in protecting user privacy. The article is straightforward and informative, making it accessible for a broad audience. “ Top social media and video streaming companies are facing new scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which released a new report Thursday accusing...
FTC report assails social networks’ privacy, safety practices
Sep. 19 / The Washington Post / Delivers a critical examination of social media companies' privacy practices, echoing the FTC's concerns. The dual authorship lends credibility, although it could benefit from deeper exploration of proposed solutions. “ The Federal Trade Commission said social media and streaming companies including YouTube, Amazon and Facebook fail to adequately protect consumer privacy.
FTC report assails social networks’ privacy, safety practices - The Washington Post
Sep. 20 / Google News / Reiterates the FTC's findings while summarizing various news outlets' perspectives. While informative, it lacks unique insights and could feel repetitive for readers familiar with the topic from other sources. “ FTC report assails social networks’ privacy, safety practices The Washington PostFTC Staff Report Finds Large Social Media and Video Streaming Companies Have...