A group of whistleblowers has emerged, alleging that Meta has inhibited research on the potential negative effects of its virtual reality products on children and adolescents, according to reports from The Washington Post. This follows prior disclosures by former whistleblower Frances Haugen, who revealed internal studies to Congress. The new whistleblowers, comprised of four current and former Meta employees, assert that after Haugen’s revelations, Meta engaged its legal team to review and sometimes reject research pertaining to virtual reality and youth safety. They are currently represented by the legal nonprofit Whistleblower Aid, which previously assisted Haugen.
In response to these claims, Meta spokesperson Dani Lever stated that the allegations regarding the company’s legal team impediments are unfounded and based on selective examples. Lever emphasized that since the beginning of 2022, Meta has authorized nearly 180 studies related to Reality Labs, focusing on social issues, including youth safety and well-being. She noted that Meta has implemented significant product updates based on research findings, such as tools for parental supervision, and indicated that its virtual reality devices are intended for use by individuals aged 13 and older.
These allegations are anticipated to be a focal point at an upcoming Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Hidden Harms: Examining Whistleblower Allegations that Meta Buried Child Safety Research.” Several Republicans on the committee have already sought additional details from Meta regarding its measures for protecting children and teenagers on its Horizon Worlds virtual platform.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/policy/773821/meta-virtual-reality-horizon-worlds-youth-safety-research-whistleblower