Head Instagram defends impact of app on teens before the Congress

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri while testifying before the congress defended the app and its impact on teens. Mosseri dismissed the reports leaked by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen that pointed that the company had overlooked the issue of how the platform takes a toll on the mental health of some of its most vulnerable users. He argued  that the research does not suggest that their products are addictive.

Prior to the hearing the chair Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) asked he staff again to test Instagram “…Within an hour, all of our recommendations promoted pro anorexia and eating disorder content.” Ranking member Marsha Blackburn’s office also made an observation that Instagram admitted users below 16 years.

Facebook’s Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis also testified before the Senate subcommittee to speak on the safety concerns of teenagers stating that the company has put in place several protections to  create  safe and age-appropriate experiences for young people aged 13 and 17.