No Mercy / No Malice: Age Gating

Profit vs Safety

Social media companies prioritize profits over user safety, especially for minors. Scott Galloway argues that these platforms could implement effective age verification systems but choose not to, as it would reduce their ad revenue from minors 1. He suggests that the platforms' reluctance to age-gate their products stems from a desire to maintain high stock prices, even at the cost of teen safety. Galloway emphasizes the need for external forces like the market, legal action, or government intervention to compel these companies to prioritize safety over profits 1.

   

Legal Measures

Legal and economic measures could influence social media platforms to prioritize the safety of minors. Galloway highlights the popularity of age gating, with over 80% of adults supporting parental consent for social media use by minors 2. Despite legislative efforts, such as the Kids Online Safety Act, platforms continue to resist age verification, citing privacy and free speech concerns. Galloway argues that these objections are more about maintaining profitability than genuine concerns for user rights 3.