News
BREAKING: Facebook whistleblower calls on Congress to regulate social media giant
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee turned whistleblower, testified before Congress on Tuesday that lawmakers need to regulate Facebook because its products can harm children and democracy.
“The company’s leadership knows ways to make Facebook and Instagram safer and won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people,” said Haugen, a former Facebook data scientist who has provided reams of internal company records to news organizations and regulators that has led to sharp criticism of the company.
“Congressional action is needed. [Facebook] cannot solve this crisis without your help. … Facebook has not earned our blind faith,” Haugen said during her highly anticipated testimony before the Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security subcommittee.
Haugen, who also aired her allegations Sunday on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” has lodged complaints with federal regulators alleging that the company concealed internal research that shows the platform knowingly amplifies political unrest, misinformation and hate.
Facebook executives have disputed how The Wall Street Journal and other media organizations have characterized the research, and have stated that the company works hard to ensure their platforms are safe and don’t spread misinformation.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat and chairman of the subcommittee, on Tuesday described Haugen as a “compelling” witness. “You’re armed with documents and evidence. You speak volumes, as they do, about how Facebook has put profits ahead of people,” said Blumenthal, who has called on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Haugen’s allegations.
The subcommittee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, sharply criticized Facebook, insisting its executives “knew what they were doing. They knew what the violations were.” Blackburn said, “It is clear that Facebook prioritizes profits over the well-being of children and (all users).”
Terry A. Hurlbut has been a student of politics, philosophy, and science for more than 35 years. He is a graduate of Yale College and has served as a physician-level laboratory administrator in a 250-bed community hospital. He also is a serious student of the Bible, is conversant in its two primary original languages, and has followed the creation-science movement closely since 1993.
-
Clergy4 days ago
Why Do The American People Let The Corrupt Media & Politicians Set The Propaganda Narrative – Speak On Their Behalf
-
Constitution5 days ago
CHAPTER 9: Norman Dodd Interview Space Is No Longer the Final Frontier––Reality Is [upcoming release April 2024]
-
Entertainment Today5 days ago
Civil War (2024) – an incomplete prediction
-
Education4 days ago
CHAPTER 10: Objective Reality Is Required for a Free Society Space Is No Longer the Final Frontier—Reality Is [upcoming release May 2024]
-
Human Interest3 days ago
Idaho prepares to defend its abortion ban
-
Civilization3 days ago
Earth Day Should Celebrate U.S. Progress & Innovation
-
Civilization2 days ago
Newsom plays silly abortion politics
-
Education18 hours ago
‘Grading for Equity’: Promoting Students by Banning Grades of Zero and Leaving No Class Cut-Ups Behind