X, Discord, Meta, TikTok and Snap CEOs has been called to testify about child exploitation

The CEOs of X, Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Discord have been summoned to appear before a Senate Judiciary hearing regarding the issue of online child sexual exploitation. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced on Monday that subpoenas had been issued to the CEOs of X, Discord, and Snap.

However, they expressed their belief that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew would testify voluntarily, given ongoing discussions between committee members and the companies. 

The senators issued a joint statement saying that they intended to compel the executives to testify at a hearing on December 6th, giving them the opportunity to explain their failure to protect children. However, representatives for the senators claimed that Linda Yaccarino of X, Jason Citron of Discord, and Evan Spiegel of Snap were not cooperating as much. 

A representative for Durbin said that X and Discord had declined electronic service of the subpoenas, so U.S. Marshals had to be involved to serve them. 

The senators expressed their disappointment in a news release, saying that after weeks of unsuccessful negotiations, subpoenas had to be issued and it was unusual for Discord and X to refuse to accept service on behalf of their CEOs, leading to the involvement of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

Wifredo Fernandez, the head of U.S. and Canada government affairs at X, said that the company is actively working towards complying with the subpoena. He emphasized that safety is their utmost priority and that they have been participating in the Judiciary committee's hearing on child protection online in good faith. Fernandez expressed their updated availability to take part in the hearing on this significant matter in an email.

Snap, in a statement, confirmed that their CEO has already agreed to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee. They mentioned that their team is currently coordinating with the Committee staff to determine potential dates for the testimony. The company appreciated the opportunity to address this crucial issue by appearing before the Committee.

A spokesperson for TikTok stated that ongoing conversations with the committee were taking place. 

Meta declined to comment. Discord has not responded immediately to a request for comment.

Multiple platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Discord, X, and Snap, have come under scrutiny for their role in facilitating the dissemination of content featuring the exploitation of children and the utilization of these platforms by adults to groom minors.

Through a comprehensive examination of court cases, NBC News has identified 35 instances in the last six years where adults were prosecuted for offenses like kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault, with allegations pointing towards their involvement in Discord communications.

Investigations by several news organizations have likewise revealed that other social media platforms continue to be used for child exploitation. 

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