"Their constant 5pursuit of engagement and profit over basic safety have all put our kids and grandkids at risk."
At issue fears of a worsening mental health crisis among children and teens due to social media, including increased risk of depression and suicide, as well as promotion and 6access to dangerous or 7illicit substances, national security concerns, and online child sexual 8exploitation.
"You 9have blood on your hands."
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle blasting the five CEOs for not 10backing 11legislation to keep users safe.
"I'm so tired of this. It's been 28 years.... since the Internet? We haven't passed any of these bills, because everyone's '12double talk, double talk'."
The social media companies have largely maintained they are best 13suited to help users make smart decisions, 14touting enhanced safety policies and tools while also 15deflecting responsibility.
"Mental health is a complex issue, in the existing body of scientific work it has not shown a 16causal link between using social media and young people having worse mental health outcomes."
The senators appeared on 17convinced, demanding the corporations accept more oversight and be held accountable for any harm caused by their platforms.