Opinion: Social media platforms facing more pressure

The social media companies need to respond quickly and transparently on how they will take concrete steps to tamp down the toxic environment or they will ramp up the pressure for Congress to take action. — Photo by dole777 on Unsplash

Social media platforms have for years faced congressional criticism for a variety of misdeeds, including failing to protect kids, misusing users' personal data, doing nothing to counteract online bullying and allowing violent threats to populate their sites.

A series of incidents have coalesced that make it more likely Congress may take legislative action and possibly offer hope that the social media platforms will do more to police themselves.