Facebook Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, faced intense scrutiny during a US Senate hearing on online safety. Zuckerberg suggested that app store providers, such as Apple and Google, should assume responsibility for parental consent systems for kids’ social media use.
Zuckerberg emphasized parents’ desire for increased control over apps and app stores used by families. He argued against the necessity for parents to verify their identity repeatedly for every app their children use.
Specifically calling out Apple, Zuckerberg pointed to a payments feature requiring parental approval for kids to make payments within apps. He proposed that app stores, given their existing role in payment processing, could extend their responsibility to include parental consent for app usage.
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The Meta CEO highlighted the potential for legislation that mandates app store providers to ensure parental control during app downloads and consent processes. This aligns with Meta’s stance expressed in November, asserting that companies like Apple and Google should bear responsibility for age verification.
Meta contends that the evolving technology landscape and varying state laws necessitate a unified approach. The company advocates for a system where parental consent is provided during the phone setup process, streamlining age verification across various apps.
Zuckerberg’s proposal seeks to simplify parental oversight, allowing them to manage and approve their teens’ online activities centrally. This strategy aims to address inconsistencies in protecting teens who navigate multiple websites and apps.
