The United Nations has called for a comprehensive overhaul of social media, with Meta leading the charge, following a significant settlement with US states. Children’s safety online is at the heart of the discussion, with the UN’s high commissioner, Volker Türk, emphasizing the need for immediate action over waiting for legal and corporate initiatives to take effect.
Meta’s agreement includes time limits, parental controls, and night mode, aligning with the UN’s 10-point framework for social media regulation. However, the UN still deems these efforts insufficient, warning that such measures alone are not enough to safeguard young users.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta echoes the UN’s stance, urging TikTok to adopt similar measures, and expressing readiness to take further action if necessary. The settlement also includes hefty penalties for Meta, with up to $18 billion to be paid over 10 years, contingent on YouTube and TikTok following suit.
While these steps are a positive development, the UN’s high commissioner remains critical, stating, “We’re not there yet.” The broader goal is a safer online environment for all, but the path to achieving it remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.
