Pallone “Appalled” by Reports Instagram’s Algorithm is Driving Users to Child Sex Abuse Content

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement today following new reporting that Instagram hosts a vast network of pedophilic content and that Meta's algorithms are actively driving users to this content both on and off the platform:

"Reports of rampant child sex abuse content on Instagram are monstrous and sickening. I am appalled. The fact that Meta's algorithms are actively driving users to view and engage with this content is detestable and demands immediate, urgent action.

"Social media platforms have long been guilty of deliberately driving users to the most extreme, dangerous content possible for the sole purpose of getting more clicks to increase their ad dollars, but this latest example is beyond the pale.

"It's clear that, in addition to immediate corrective action by Meta, Congress must act to hold Big Tech accountable and protect Americans online. I'm determined to rein in these social media companies, starting with the passage of bipartisan privacy legislation that includes algorithmic transparency and accountability provisions. The era of self-regulation for Big Tech must come to an end."

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