California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who played a key role in the lawsuit against Meta, is now turning his attention to ensuring TikTok adopts similar safety measures as those agreed upon by Meta. Following a recent agreement to alter its practices in response to legal pressures, Meta has voiced that these changes will be most effective if all competing platforms align with them.
In comments made to CNBC, Bonta expressed his willingness to engage with TikTok and YouTube, noting that TikTok has indicated interest in discussing potential changes. However, neither company has responded to media inquiries since these statements were made.
Bonta has also reached out to Snap, another prominent social media platform, as part of his broader initiative to collaborate with these firms. He emphasized his readiness to take further action if these companies do not voluntarily implement changes akin to those proposed by Meta.
In a landmark settlement, Meta agreed to pay as much as $18 billion to 48 states in the U.S., the District of Columbia, and three territories over a span of ten years. Notably, $5.3 billion of this amount is conditional on the commitment from YouTube and TikTok to introduce similar reforms.
Significantly, as part of this settlement, Meta has not admitted to any wrongdoing.
Editor’s Take
This development is pivotal as it highlights the growing scrutiny on social media companies to enhance user safety. The willingness of AG Bonta to engage with platforms like TikTok and YouTube could spark a major shift in content moderation strategies, directly impacting user experiences. Furthermore, the implications of the Meta settlement may lead to heightened transparency and accountability in the tech sector, which could resonate well with consumers and regulators alike.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
