January 1, Senate Summons CEOs of X, Discord, Meta, TikTok, Snap for Explosive Child Exploitation Showdown

The CEOs of X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Discord have been summoned to testify before a Senate Judiciary hearing regarding online child sexual exploitation. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced on Monday that they had issued subpoenas to the CEOs of X, Discord, and Snap. The senators also stated that they expected Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew to testify voluntarily, based on ongoing conversations between committee members and the companies.

In a joint statement, the senators expressed their intent to compel the executives to testify at a hearing scheduled for Dec. 6, where they would “have their chance to explain their failures to protect kids.” However, Linda Yaccarino of X, Jason Citron of Discord, and Evan Spiegel of Snap have been less cooperative, according to representatives for the senators.

A representative for Durbin revealed that X and Discord had refused electronic service of the subpoenas, prompting the senator’s office to engage U.S. Marshals to serve them. “After repeated refusals to appear during several weeks of negotiations, subpoenas have been issued,” the senators said in a news release. “In a remarkable departure from typical practice, Discord and X have further refused to cooperate by accepting service of the subpoenas on behalf of their CEOs, requiring the Committee to enlist the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service to personally serve the subpoenas.”

Wifredo Fernandez, head of U.S. and Canada government affairs at X, stated that the company is working to comply with the subpoena. “We have been working in good faith to participate in the Judiciary committee’s hearing on child protection online as safety is our top priority at X,” he wrote in an email. “Today we are communicating our updated availability to participate in a hearing on this important issue.”

A Snap spokesperson said, “Snap’s CEO has already agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and our team is coordinating with Committee staff on potential dates. We appreciate the opportunity to appear before the Committee to discuss this vital issue.” Meanwhile, a TikTok spokesperson mentioned that conversations with the committee were ongoing.

Meta declined to comment, and Discord did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meta, TikTok, Discord, X, and Snap have all faced scrutiny over the spread of material depicting the exploitation of children and the use of their platforms by adults to groom minors. An NBC News review of court cases identified 35 cases over the past six years involving adults prosecuted on charges of kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault that allegedly involved communications on Discord. Investigations from other news outlets have similarly found that other social media platforms continue to be used for child exploitation.

Why It Matters

As a conservative, I’m appalled by the lack of accountability from these big tech companies like X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Discord, who have allowed the exploitation of children on their platforms. These CEOs must face the consequences and explain their failures to protect our kids. It’s time for them to be held responsible and ensure proper safety measures are in place. Our children’s safety is at stake, and we cannot allow these companies to profit from such heinous activities. We must stand up against big tech’s negligence and demand justice for the innocent victims caught in the crosshairs of these irresponsible corporations.

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