Big Tech companies like Facebook have known for years that their products are harmful to our children’s mental health and well-being. But, have hidden this truth from us.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal report (based on information provided by the Facebook whistleblower) we now know that:

“For the past three years, Facebook has been conducting studies into how its photo-sharing app affects its millions of young users. Repeatedly, the company’s researchers found that Instagram is harmful for a sizable percentage of them, most notably teenage girls.”

For months, Energy and Commerce Republicans have asked Facebook about their internal research on the impacts of their platforms on children. Facebook consistently REFUSED to comply.

KEY POINTS:

• The rise of Big Tech and social media platforms has coincided with an alarming surge in the number of American teens experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
• In March, Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers asked Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg directly about Facebook’s internal research on the relationship between their products and teen mental health. He wouldn’t give her a straight answer.  
• Following the Big Tech hearing, Committee Republicans asked Facebook again to share any internal research they had conducted on the well-being of our kids. Facebook refused to comply with their request.  

It’s simple: There is a complete lack of accountability when it comes to Big Tech protecting our children online. Fortunately, Republicans will continue to demand transparency from Facebook and other Big Tech companies, especially as it relates to the harm their products have on our children.

Click HERE to read Energy and Commerce’s Big Tech Accountability Platform.