Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., was interviewed by “The Circuit with Emily Chang” at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, USA, on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
Jason Henry | Bloomberg | Getty Photos
One Republican congressman lashes out Yuan Lawmakers on Thursday referred to as the response to issues about unlawful drug advertisements on Fb and Instagram inadequate.
Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg described as “unacceptable” a letter Meta despatched to a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday, claiming the corporate failed to handle politicians’ complaints to CEO Mark ·Particular questions raised by Mark Zuckerberg August.
Meta’s issues concentrate on latest Report From the Wall Avenue Journal and non-profit organization The Know-how Transparency Mission (TTP) has revealed {that a} surge in Fb and Instagram advertisements are directing customers to third-party providers the place they’ll buy prescribed drugs and leisure medication comparable to cocaine. Lawmakers intend to record 15 questions to assist decide the prevalence of unlawful drug advertisements on the Meta app, the variety of views and interactions the advertisements obtain, what number of minors are concerned, and the actions Meta takes in opposition to accountable teams.
“Meta’s response not solely ignores a lot of the points raised in our letter, but additionally refuses to acknowledge that these unlawful drug advertisements have been accredited and monetized by Meta and allowed to run on their platform,” Wahlberg stated in a press release. “That is unacceptable. Meta should be held accountable for its negligence and the impression it has on its customers, particularly kids and youngsters.”
Mehta declined to remark.
Rachel Lieber, Meta’s vice chairman of world authorized technique, stated in a letter to lawmakers that the corporate shares their issues about “the risk to public security and well being posed by the opioid epidemic.”
“We all know this downside impacts many People, usually with tragic penalties, which is why combating on-line drug trafficking is extra necessary than any single platform,” Lieber stated within the letter obtained by CNBC. . “At Meta, we stay dedicated to taking part in an necessary function within the answer. “
Lieber defined within the letter that Meta’s coverage “prohibits the shopping for and promoting of unlawful medication on our apps” and that the corporate has measures and sources to “detect and take away drug-related content material that violates our insurance policies.” .
TTP director Katie Paul stated in a press release that Meta “has repeatedly evaded direct inquiries from members of Congress, the media and the general public” about a whole lot of unlawful drug advertisements on its platform.
“Meta seeks to deflect blame and promote a ‘whole-of-society’ strategy,” Paul stated. Meta “income by offering paid amplification to drug trafficking web sites that might not be capable of obtain the attain of those websites with out Meta’s promoting platform.” ”
Warburg’s feedback got here after Zuckerberg stated throughout a dwell podcast recording in San Francisco that Meta ought to work more durable to combat again “when individuals make accusations concerning the impression of the tech business or our firm,” that are unfounded. No factual foundation.
“One of many issues that I remorse wanting again on is that I feel we accepted different individuals’s opinions on sure issues, claiming that we did it unsuitable or have been accountable for issues that I really do not suppose we did,” Zuckerberg stated. .
Learn Meta’s letter to legislators under:
