Tech CEOs invited to talk kids’ safety on Capitol Hill

Senator Chuck Grassley announced on June 13 that he has invited the CEOs of Meta, Alphabet, TikTok, and Snap to testify before Congress on June 23. The hearing, titled *Examining Tech Industry Practices and the Implications for Users and Families: Is This Social Media’s Big Tobacco Moment?*, will focus on efforts to protect children and families online. Grassley stated that the committee aims to hold *Big Tech* accountable for its practices, emphasizing the need for transparency in safeguarding young users. The hearing follows recent legal setbacks for Meta and Alphabet, as both companies faced jury verdicts in recent months finding them liable for their platforms’ impact on kids and teens. The invitations extend to Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Alphabet), Shou Zi Chew (TikTok), and Evan Spiegel (Snap), all of whom have previously testified before Congress on child safety issues, including a January 2024 appearance before the same committee. Despite years of congressional interest in online child protection, no major legislation has been passed. The hearing comes as lawmakers continue to scrutinize social media’s role in youth mental health and safety. The four tech leaders have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding their participation. Grassley’s announcement highlights growing pressure on tech companies to address concerns about minors’ exposure to harmful content, addictive design, and data privacy risks. The hearing may serve as a platform for lawmakers to push for stricter regulations or industry self-regulation to mitigate these issues. Axios first reported the hearing’s details earlier this month.