Meta Ignored Sex Trafficking 16 Times: Lawsuit

A former Meta executive revealed the company may have allowed accounts involved in sex trafficking up to 16 violations before taking action. This alleged policy, described as a 'very high strike threshold,' was part of testimony in a lawsuit concerning child safety on social media platforms. Internal documents reportedly confirm this approach, raising serious questions about Meta's commitment to user protection.

The lawsuit also highlights Meta's alleged failure to implement a straightforward system for users to report child sexual abuse material. Despite internal warnings, the company reportedly declined to build such a feature due to the perceived workload. This inaction, coupled with a focus on engagement metrics, forms a central theme of the ongoing legal challenges against Meta.

Meta faces increasing scrutiny over child safety, with school districts and parents alleging its platforms contribute to a mental health crisis. The company is accused of deliberately downplaying harms, such as rejecting features that could hide likes or keep teen accounts private if they impacted engagement. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated the company disagrees with the allegations, emphasizing their long-standing efforts to protect teens.