This follows a hearing on child exploitation on social media, during which Hawley successfully prompted Zuckerberg to stand and apologize to the families of victims.
During the interview on "Hannity," host Sean Hannity questioned Hawley on whether he believed Zuckerberg was fully aware of the extent to which Facebook and Instagram are used by malicious actors to exploit, target, and sexualize children. "He absolutely knows what's going on," Hawley responded. He further revealed that senators have received information from Facebook whistleblowers who allege that they had informed Zuckerberg's office about potential exploitation, only to be purportedly "ignored."
Hawley suggested that Zuckerberg should allocate 10% of his net worth, which exceeds $140 billion, to assist victims affected by exploitation on Meta platforms and to target and remove potential sexual predators. He also criticized the perceived censorship of conservative voices on Facebook, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited instances of suppression of free speech on topics such as alternative antiviral pharmaceuticals, vaccine hesitancy, and the New York Post's reporting on Hunter Biden's laptop.
MUST WATCH: GIANT EMPEROR TRUMP FIGURE AT ITALIAN FESTIVAL
During the hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted a case involving a state lawmaker's son who committed suicide after falling victim to a sextortion scam on a Meta platform. State Representative Brandon Guffey accused Meta of "criminal negligence" for allegedly creating "addictive algorithms that target children." In response, a Meta spokesperson stated that the platform aims to provide teenagers with "safe, age-appropriate experiences online" and offers resources to support them and their families.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SET TO ESTABLISH "GAZA CAMP" AFTER BEING DENIED FOR LACK OF LEADERSHIP
February 01, 2024
Hawley expressed concern about the increasing number of sextortion cases, citing a report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that showed a significant increase in such cases. He argued that Zuckerberg and other executives should be held accountable for situations involving their platforms. He also criticized the FBI for its perceived lack of action in addressing these crimes, suggesting that they were more focused on politicized posts such as critiques of Hunter Biden or election integrity.
MUST WATCH: AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTER MOPS THE FLOOR WITH CLIMATE ACTIVISTS
Hawley concluded by calling for the removal of FBI Director Chris Wray and for Zuckerberg to be held personally responsible. "It's time to get these people actually focused on working for us, being responsible and doing the right thing," he said.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
