A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing set for June will invite leaders from Meta, Alphabet (Google), TikTok, and Snap to testify on social media risks to children and teens, reflecting mounting legal and public pressure on tech platforms.

The hearing, titled Is This Social Media’s Big Tobacco Moment?, is spurred by ongoing lawsuits, proposed legislation, and advocacy urging platforms to change.

Senate staffers announced the hearing for June 23, arranged by Senator Chuck Grassley.

Advocates and lawmakers cite harms such as addiction, predator exposure, and the broader need for protections for young users.

These cases mark among the first online-safety lawsuits challenging platforms under Section 230’s liability shield.

The broader action landscape includes proposed laws, regulatory scrutiny, and advocacy pressuring platforms to prioritize child safety.

Recent activity builds on prior 2024 testimony about child exploitation and ongoing state and federal litigation seeking accountability for platform practices.

The push comes amid mounting legal and public pressure, with court cases and new legislation aimed at protecting young users.

Advocates and lawmakers, including Sen. Durbin, urge CEOs to explain what happened and what steps are being taken to safeguard children.

Parents and advocates have urged federal action in hearings on online safety, highlighting public demand for stricter protections.

Supporters compare the push for protections to tobacco regulation and emphasize bipartisan concern over youth harms from social media.

Families affected by social media harms are pressing for stronger protections and accountability from tech companies.