Michael Stricker’s Post

The recent news on Meta's "psychologically manipulative product features" designed to induce prolonged use among the youth, coupled with algorithms pushing them into toxic content rabbit holes, is a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of unchecked digital platforms. Features like "infinite scroll" and persistent alerts, though innovative, have inadvertently contributed to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. This era, heightened by the pandemic, magnifies the significance of authentic human connections. At Buffet, we recognize the profound need for real-world connections. We're on a mission to revitalize those genuine moments of togetherness and to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Let's champion genuine social interactions and prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our community. 🌐💙 #socialconnection #community #realconnections #lonelinessepidemic #techcommunity #wellness #socialimpact #peoplefirst #startup

Anyone surprised by corporate profits taking precedence over harm to children and human society in general? This is not unique to Meta/Facebook, but a general component of #socialmedia and gaming where constant dopamine reward and content to engage emotions is fine-tuned to be highly addictive. It would be nice if governments around the world would bring in health, behavioral science, and AI experts to provide input and guidance for how to best reduce risks of harm in our #technology and then legislate appropriate #regulation . What we get instead are government representatives who are too old to understand how this technology functions and are only interested in listening to the tech bros selling these products. https://lnkd.in/eYHW3Z2T

Meta Faces Legal Trouble Over Underage User Data Collection| In a recent legal complaint, it has been revealed that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, knowingly collected data on millions of children under 13, which is a clear violation of federal privacy law. This raises important questions about user safety and data protection. As a founder in the tech industry, I believe it's crucial for companies to prioritize the safety of their users. What are your thoughts on this issue? #TechNews #PrivacyMatters

Recent allegations have emerged against Meta, accusing the company of knowingly allowing and even pursuing children under the age of 13 to use its platforms, particularly Instagram. This claim, highlighted in an unsealed complaint reported by The New York Times, suggests that Meta had not only failed to disable accounts of underage users but also continued to collect their data. These allegations raise serious questions about Meta's compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 and its overall commitment to safeguarding young users. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this situation. How do you perceive Meta's responsibility in this context, and what impact do you think such practices, if proven true, could have on the digital landscape for younger users? #dataprivacy #privacy #childrensprivacy #legalaction #socialmedia #lawsuit #legislation #personaldata #personaldataprotection #innovation #technology

🌐 Kindr's Response to Recent Allegations Against Meta: A Call for Ethical Tech Solutions In light of recent revelations about Meta's alleged mishandling of underage users on Instagram, we at Kindr emphasize the need for ethical and transparent tech practices that prioritize user safety and adhere to privacy regulations. At Kindr, we believe in fostering online communities with a strong sense of responsibility. We are committed to creating a space where innovation thrives while ensuring the protection and privacy of all users, especially the younger and vulnerable populations. We understand the challenges of age verification online, but we firmly believe in the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our users. Kindr is dedicated to implementing robust measures to safeguard the interests of our diverse community. Our mission extends beyond innovation; it encompasses creating a platform that serves as a force for positive change in the world. By addressing challenges with transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ethical practices, we aim to build a kinder, safer digital space for everyone. Let's collectively work towards a future where technology not only drives progress but does so with an unwavering commitment to ethical standards. Let's collectively innovate responsibly for a kinder and more secure digital landscape. #KindrResponsibility #EthicalTech #InnovationWithIntegrity #innovation #socialentrepreneurship #socialmedia

“How Meta can- or be forced to- avoid addicting kids” When 41 states and D.C. sued Meta, Facebook’s parent company, more than a month ago, their complaint was redacted to the point of illegibility. Now, an unredacted version has emerged, and it’s well worth the read. The state attorneys general claim, essentially, that Meta is exploiting its younger users for profit, privately prioritizing growth over teens’ well-being, even as it claims publicly that safety is paramount: “The lifetime value of a 13 y/o teen is roughly $270,” one internal company email counsels. This mind-set, the attorneys general say, informed the very design of the company’s products. And it has led executives, counter to internal research, to back off proposals that would improve those products by discouraging “problematic use” — a jargony way of saying addiction. (Meta has disputed that characterization.) Obviously, Meta is a business, and moneymaking is what businesses do. Current law does little to restrain social media services from luring users down the rabbit hole, and, for the most part, that’s how it should be. Yet there is leeway for the government to place restrictions on products that harm children’s health. The type of problematic use the complaint describes, hours spent scrolling, is precisely the kind that research shows damages minds not yet fully formed. The state attorneys general might nevertheless struggle in the courts. The complaint is on the firmest legal footing in its charges relating to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which sets strong restrictions on companies’ relationships with users under the age of 13. COPPA both restricts the ways platforms can collect and process data on those users and requires parental consent to create accounts. Because these rules are onerous, platforms generally prohibit under-13s from signing up at all — but, as any parent well knows, that doesn’t actually stop them. (CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the complaint alleges, received a report in 2015 that about one-third of all 10-to-12-year-olds in the country were on Instagram.) This means that platforms end up collecting all the data they’re not supposed to gather without any of the consent they’re supposed to obtain. The state attorneys general contend that Meta’s platforms teem with tweens because the company isn’t searching particularly hard for them. The evidence they present, including unanswered reports of accounts by underage users, appears compelling; Meta predictably responds that the complaint is stuffed with “selective quotes and cherry-picked documents.” A judge will now decide, and COPPA’s strong language gives the attorneys general a substantial argument. 👇🏻See more here 👇🏻

Meta Faces Legal Trouble Over Underage User Data Collection| In a recent legal complaint, it has been revealed that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, knowingly collected data on millions of children under 13, which is a clear violation of federal privacy law. This raises important questions about user safety and data protection. As a founder in the tech industry, I believe it's crucial for companies to prioritize the safety of their users. What are your thoughts on this issue? #TechNews #PrivacyMatters

Under pressure, Meta say it will change how it delivers some content to children. Here's what you need to know: 1. Meta will be increasing its content restrictions, particularly for children. This involves applying the most restrictive content controls for their accounts and expanding the number of terms it restricts on Instagram and Facebook search. The company is also focusing on excluding content relating to self-harm or unsafe topics from recommendations. 2. The tech giant is planning to protect children's privacy more thoroughly by pushing teens to update their Instagram privacy settings more easily and regularly. 3. Despite these actions, critics argue Meta's efforts are insufficient and late, with allegations that this is another attempt to avoid regulation. These claims are backed up by past failures of the company to improve safety after making similar promises in 2019. The announcement comes as Meta is under increased scrutiny for the type of content it provides to minors and usage of their data. Learn more by visiting The Record from Recorded Future News: https://lnkd.in/gK5NCFhx

Unprecedented federal suit, joined by states, accuses Meta platforms of harming children. Here's what you need to know: 1. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been sued by the federal government and dozens of states, with them alleging that the platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive and have caused significant harm to children’s mental health. The lawsuit accuses Meta of "cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits". 2. The complaint claims that Meta deceived users about the potential harms of its products. It further alleges Meta violated federal children’s privacy laws by illegally collecting personal data from minors without obtaining parental consent. 3. This legal action expands on a 2021 investigation centered around whether Meta violated consumer protection laws by promoting its social networking products to children. The lawsuit reveals greater scrutiny of social media companies, with the Federal Trade Commission pledging to increase regulation within the sector. Learn more by visiting The Record from Recorded Future News: https://lnkd.in/eTZU82Df

The recent 𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 42 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 about the impact of addictive content on users, particularly children and teenagers. The lawsuit alleges that Meta has utilised powerful technologies to engage and, in some cases, ensnare young users with content designed for profit. It accuses Meta of downplaying the potential dangers of its Social Media Platforms. Whether Meta's platforms actually harm users with addictive content is a subject of debate and further investigation. It's important to consider that social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, use algorithms to engage users and keep them on the platforms. These algorithms are designed to maximise user interaction and, consequently, advertising revenue. Research has indicated potential negative effects of excessive social media use, such as impacts on mental health and well-being. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate about the ethics of technology companies and their role in user well-being. It's a complex issue that will likely continue to evolve as technology and its effects on society are better understood. Read more from the link and share your feedback. #Meta #Facebook #Instagram #SocialMedia #TechNews #TechCrunch #AddictiveContent #UserWellBeing #TechEthics