Mark Zuckerberg's Meta stifled research on sickos using VR to target kids, whistleblowers claim

Core Viewpoint - Meta has allegedly suppressed internal research regarding the safety risks of its virtual reality applications, particularly concerning the targeting of minors by inappropriate users [1][8][19]. Group 1: Whistleblower Allegations - Whistleblowers, including former Meta safety researcher Jason Sattizahn, claim that Meta stifled research into serious safety risks, including incidents of minors being propositioned [1][4]. - During a research trip in Germany, a mother expressed concerns about her children using Meta's VR headsets, only to later learn that her son had been propositioned [2][3]. - The researchers were reportedly instructed to delete evidence of these allegations, with Meta's final report downplaying the severity of the situation [3][4]. Group 2: Internal Communications and Culture - Internal communications revealed that employees were aware of a significant underage user problem, with one message suggesting that up to 90% of metaverse users might be underage [4][5]. - Meta's attorneys allegedly advised researchers to conduct sensitive research under attorney-client privilege to avoid public scrutiny [6][12]. - Employees were instructed to avoid certain language in internal studies and were discouraged from compiling data on underage users due to regulatory concerns [7][12]. Group 3: Congressional Response and Investigations - The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing to examine the whistleblower claims, with lawmakers expressing dissatisfaction with Zuckerberg's responses to inquiries [11][18]. - Whistleblowers allege that Meta's legal team engaged in systematic efforts to block the release of internal safety research, aiming to create plausible deniability regarding safety risks [12][15]. - Meta has faced scrutiny following previous revelations about the harmful effects of its platforms, leading to increased Congressional hearings [14][15]. Group 4: Meta's Defense and Future Direction - Meta has defended its research efforts, stating that it has approved numerous studies related to youth safety and has implemented various protective measures for minors [16][23]. - The company claims that any deletion of data would have been necessary to comply with privacy regulations, although whistleblowers contest this assertion [17][20]. - Despite the controversies, Meta has shifted its focus from the metaverse to artificial intelligence, indicating a strategic pivot in its business model [23].