Senators announced Wednesday that they will convene CEOs of major technology companies for a Jan. 31 hearing to address child sexual abuse content on their platforms.
Testimonies before the Senate Judiciary Committee include Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Linda Yaccarino, CEO of Company X. TikTok CEO Shou Zhi Chu. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Discord CEO Jason Citron.
Sens. Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham said some companies initially refused to have their CEOs appear at the hearings. They said the process included a “significant deviation” from normal subpoena procedures, as some companies refused the subpoenas. The U.S. Marshals were ultimately forced to attempt to subpoena Discord’s office directly.
“The CEOs of X, Discord, and Snap will testify pursuant to subpoenas issued by the committee after the leaders of the big three tech companies repeatedly refused to testify during weeks of negotiations,” the lawmakers said. Stated. “Meta and the CEO of TikTok have voluntarily agreed to testify at the hearing.”
“We knew from the beginning that our efforts to protect children online would be met with hesitation from big tech companies. They are finally stepping up to the plate when it comes to protecting children. I am forced to admit my failure,” he wrote. All five companies will be collaborating and we look forward to hearing from their CEOs. Both parents and children want action. ”
More: FBI warns parents about rising ‘sextortion’ incidents among children, teens
Last year, the FBI warned that sextortion, where criminals coerce children into sharing explicit images and extorting money, was on the rise online.
Earlier this year, the Departments of Commerce and Health and Human Services announced the launch of a new task force to examine the health and abuse risks children face online and recommend new ways to track and prevent them. did.
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