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Meta's Policies Regarding CSAM

Ethical Dilemma Case Study

Background

CSAM- Child Sexual Assault Material

Meta- Meta Platforms Incorporated is a technology and social media conglomerate operating internationally. The company owns Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp and sells technological and virtual reality devices.

Issue- The apps that Meta operates allow for photos and videos to be easily transmitted. This ease of communication is a main source of profit for the corporation, although it allows for disturbing content to be distributed. However, monitoring content can be viewed as an infringement of privacy rights, resulting in a challenging ethical dilemma for the corporation.

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ETHICAL QUESTION

 If Meta knows CSAM is a major issue on their platforms, should they continue to make only court-ordered changes, or should they establish a more significant policy change?

Meta

Parent company, remaining within the law, protection of users across all platforms

Shareholders

Meta wants to be safe platform and company to invest in

Competators

Keeping a hold on the social media and tech industry

Audience

Vulnerability of children, parental concerns, different platforms

Children

At risk and vulnerable on these platforms, Meta has a duty to keep them safe

Considerations

Decision Making Model - The Facts

  • Content that sexually exploits or endangers children is prohibited

  • The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCME) will be contacted

  • Preventative measures to stop suspicious adults from discovering/connecting with children

  • Internal documents reveal raised internal concern but changes were struck down

  • Suggested addition of employees and engineers focused specifically on child safety

  • 100,000 children each day are sexually harassed on a Meta platform

  • Meta has more of a focus on profit than safety

Obligations

Public Communication

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Tone & Culture

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“Walk the Talk”

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Updated Safety Measures

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  • The company’s administration has an obligation to post its terms and conditions and privacy operations publicly. 

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  • Leaders must create an ethical environment within the corporation if they expect it to operate ethically.

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  • The corporation must act accordingly to posted values and statements. 

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  • Increase investments into updated safety measures. Adopt a People > Profit mindset.

Summary and Decision

Ultimately = Unethical

Meta should change its policies across all platforms it owns to serve better and protect its users.

The company is promoting unethical practices which can be seen from leaders responding poorly to internal concerns.

Go Beyond Legal 

Meta has obligations to provide its users with reliable forms of communication, and it can be understood that they do not want to invade user privacy.

What it is not upholding is its responsibility to protect those users beyond just the legal requirements.

Stop Misleading

The company makes many statements claiming that it cares about this issue and is working hard to stop the problem, but in reality, Meta is doing the bare minimum.

Meta wants to save money and status, but what it needs to do is make significant changes to uphold safety standards.

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