Meta Accused of Suppressing Research on VR Dangers for Children
Overview of Allegations
Recent reports indicate that Meta Platforms, Inc. may have suppressed critical research regarding the risks associated with its virtual reality (VR) headsets, particularly concerning child users. This information, initially reported by The Washington Post, has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and child safety advocates.
Internal Documents Submitted to Congress
Current and former Meta employees provided Congress with a collection of documents that detail troubling incidents involving children being targeted by adult predators in virtual environments. According to the claims, internal reports were allegedly modified to exclude some of the more alarming findings. Employees assert that these modifications were made after their superiors directed them to omit certain details.
Two researchers disclosed their encounters with a German family whose child, under the age of ten, was reportedly approached by online strangers while using a Meta VR headset. Disturbingly, some of these interactions included sexual propositions directed at the child. When the researchers sought to document these alarming occurrences, it is reported that their supervisor instructed them to remove these claims from their findings. Ultimately, the publicly released version of the internal report mentioned parental concerns but did not reference the specific incident involving the German family.
Regulatory Concerns and Internal Guidelines
The documents presented to Congress also reveal instructions from Meta’s legal team advising researchers to refrain from gathering data about children using VR products. This caution appears to stem from potential regulatory issues, including concerns raised during congressional hearings in 2021. Additionally, the submitted documents contained warnings from employees about children bypassing age restrictions, which allowed users younger than 13 to access VR headsets.
In response to growing scrutiny, Meta recently adjusted its policy, lowering the minimum age requirement for VR users to ten years.
Company Response to Allegations
Meta spokeswoman Dani Lever stated that the materials forwarded to Congress were manipulated to support a "predetermined and false narrative." She emphasized that the company does not prohibit research involving children under 13 and defended the integrity of their research team’s work. Lever also commented on the omission concerning the family in Germany, suggesting it may have been removed to comply with U.S. federal laws governing children’s personal data as well as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. While the company did not confirm or deny the specifics of the German family’s experience, they maintained that they prioritize legal compliance.
The researchers countered that they had obtained consent from the child’s mother prior to the interview and had secured a signed agreement confirming the terms.
Upcoming Senate Hearing
The allegations surrounding Meta’s handling of child safety in relation to its VR products are set to be discussed in an upcoming Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing. This subcommittee is responsible for exploring the legal frameworks and regulations focused on online safety.
Meta’s New Policy Directions
Furthermore, it has been brought to light that Meta is expanding access to its Horizon Worlds VR social platform for preteens, contingent upon parental approval. This decision has prompted the Senate Judiciary Committee to request further details regarding the presence of minors in the app and how the company is addressing the safety and privacy of young users.
These developments highlight the ongoing concerns regarding online safety for children, particularly in immersive digital environments where they may be susceptible to harmful interactions. As the discussion continues, stakeholders will closely monitor Meta’s policies and practices related to child safety in VR.
