Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to children under 13 - AP News
A former Meta engineer testified that Instagram took a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to users under 13.
Key points
From AP News’s report- A former Meta engineer testified that the company used a 'don’t ask, don’t tell' approach toward users under 13.
- He said profit focus outweighed safety, prioritizing user engagement metrics over mental well-being.
- The trial, against California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, could last about six weeks.
- Plaintiffs allege Meta designs features to addict youth and collects data without parental consent.
- Meta denies the claims, arguing it commits to safety and works with teens and parents.
Why it matters. States allege Meta prioritized engagement and collected youth data without parental consent, while Meta denies the claims and cites its safety efforts.
What to watch. The trial involving California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey could last about six weeks.
Coverage
Oldest first · UTCKey points from AP News
- A former Meta engineer testified that the company used a 'don’t ask, don’t tell' approach toward users under 13.
- He said profit focus outweighed safety, prioritizing user engagement metrics over mental well-being.
- The trial, against California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, could last about six weeks.
- Plaintiffs allege Meta designs features to addict youth and collects data without parental consent.
- Meta denies the claims, arguing it commits to safety and works with teens and parents.
Coverage
Oldest first · UTCSourceReutersUnited KingdomLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at Reuters“Former Meta engineer resumes testimony in landmark trial over social media's harm to young users - Reuters”
SourceAP NewsUnited StatesLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at AP News“Former Meta engineer says Instagram took a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach on kids under 13 - AP News”
Key points from AP News
- A former Meta engineer testified that the company used a 'don’t ask, don’t tell' approach toward users under 13.
- He said profit focus outweighed safety, prioritizing user engagement metrics over mental well-being.
- The trial, against California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey, could last about six weeks.
- Plaintiffs allege Meta designs features to addict youth and collects data without parental consent.
- Meta denies the claims, arguing it commits to safety and works with teens and parents.
Why it’s in the Brief
Ranked 8th of 10.
- Starting score
- 5.0
- Public-interest topic
- +1.0
- Public-interest terms in the text
- +1.25
- High-reliability sources
- +0.75
- Corroboration by independent outlets
- +0.8
- Score
- 8.8
The ranking is the same for everyone.
Perspective mix. 2 center.RatingsAllSides and Media Bias/Fact CheckLean and credibility are curated from their public ratings.Unknown outlets stay unrated, never guessed.
Blindspot. No right-leaning outlet is covering this story. No left-leaning outlet is covering this story. Worth knowing before you make up your mind.