Social media executives deny platforms are inherently addictive to children

UK representatives from Meta, Roblox and TikTok also tell MPs they believe under-16 ban would be ‘unenforceable’

Executives from three social media companies have denied their platforms are inherently addictive to children and young people in a combative appearance before MPs in Westminster.

Representatives from Meta, Roblox and TikTok faced robust questioning from the cross-party education select committee about the impact of screen time and social media on children.

A fourth executive, from Snapchat, had been due to attend Tuesday’s hearing but was said to have cancelled “at quite short notice”, drawing a sharp rebuke from the committee chair, Helen Hayes.

She warned Snapchat the committee would use its powers to summon a witness if they did not cooperate and agree to appear at a meeting next week.