I’m sipping my coffee and reading about the latest drama between YouTube and Meta, and I have to say, it’s a wild ride. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan is basically saying, “No thanks” to joining Meta’s $18 billion multistate settlement agreement, claiming that YouTube already has its act together when it comes to keeping young users safe. Mohan told CNN, “We have invested in making sure that young people are safe on our platform… for a very long time,” and that they’ll just keep on doing what they’re doing. Sounds like a solid plan, right?
Mohan’s comments came during a meeting with reporters at the Google-owned platform’s annual Made on YouTube event, where they announced some new updates to the platform. Meanwhile, Meta is still dealing with the aftermath of its settlement, which includes introducing time limits and removing “like” counts for teen users, as well as third-party oversight for its safety practices. It’s like they’re trying to prove a point or something.
Now, I know some folks might be thinking, “But Big Elephant, what about all the other platforms like TikTok and YouTube? Shouldn’t they be held to the same standards as Meta?” And to that, I say, “Fair point.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta is already saying that they’re willing to take TikTok and YouTube to court if needed to get them on board with the deal. It’s like a big game of chicken, and I’m just here for the popcorn.
Mohan is confident in YouTube’s safety steps, like the option for parents to limit their teens’ screen time on Shorts, and the fact that they work with third-party experts to advise on child safety features. He also pointed out that YouTube is a different platform from Meta, and that they’re focusing on users watching content on living room TVs. It’s like they’re trying to distance themselves from the whole social media addiction thing.
TikTok, on the other hand, has been pretty quiet about the whole thing. Maybe they’re just waiting to see how it all plays out before making a move. And as for YouTube, well, they’ve already been found liable in a separate trial for intentionally addicting a young woman and harming her mental health. But they’re planning to appeal, because of course they are.
In the end, it’s all just a big mess, and I’m not sure who’s going to come out on top. But one thing’s for sure, I’ll be here, sipping my coffee and watching it all go down. And who knows, maybe someday we’ll have a whole new set of social media platforms that are actually good for us. A guy can dream, right?
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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