[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] "Facebook has fueled division, weakened democracy, and harmed children."
On the 5th (local time), Frances Haugen, a former Facebook chief product manager who appeared at the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing held in Washington DC, made this assessment of Facebook. At her first appearance before the U.S. Senate hearing, Haugen fiercely criticized the world's largest social networking service (SNS), Facebook, urging Congress and the government to implement strict regulations.
Haugen is the whistleblower who exposed the so-called 'Facebook Files,' internal documents revealing Facebook's unethical business practices recently reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). She publicly revealed her identity for the first time during an appearance on CBS News on the 3rd.
"Facebook Prioritizes Profit Over People"
During the hearing as a witness, Haugen said, "Facebook executives know how to make Facebook safer," but added, "However, because they prioritize profit over people, they will not take the necessary changes."
She continued, "Facebook has consistently prioritized its own interests," and "As a result, Facebook has created more division, harm, lies, threats, and conflicts," fiercely criticizing the company.
In particular, she pointed to Facebook's content recommendation algorithm, which drives user reactions, as a major factor in spreading fake news. She stated, "Facebook has 100% control over its algorithm," and emphasized, "Facebook should not be given a 'free pass' on these issues."
Additionally, Haugen reiterated the dangers to underage users of Instagram, as revealed in the 'Facebook Files.' She criticized, "Facebook has identified underage users as new opportunities for corporate growth."
Haugen also highlighted serious security concerns, stating that Facebook is being used for surveillance of Uyghurs by the Chinese government and espionage activities by the Iranian government. She said, "Certain actors (such as China and Iran) will target public platforms like Facebook," and added, "We all need to take these threats seriously and work to suppress them."
She urged, "Congressional action is necessary," and insisted, "We must push for laws that hold companies with algorithms that spread dangerous information accountable."
She also compared SNS to tobacco, arguing for an independent government agency to manage its harms. Unlike tobacco, which has independent regulatory bodies assessing health impacts, Facebook lacks such oversight.
Haugen pointed out that since CEO Mark Zuckerberg holds more than 55% of Facebook's voting rights, "Ultimately, all responsibility lies with him. Currently, there is no one else to hold Zuckerberg accountable except himself."
Lawmakers: "Facebook Morally Bankrupt... Will Take Action"
Senators announced at the hearing that they plan to intensify regulatory pressure on big tech companies following this revelation.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the subcommittee, said that Facebook and other major IT companies "are facing a moment of truth" due to Haugen's disclosures. He described Facebook as "morally bankrupt" and demanded CEO Zuckerberg appear at a hearing.
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn also pointed out, "Big tech companies have long exploited consumers," and Senator Amy Klobuchar said, "It is time to take action now. (Haugen) has been the catalyst for this."
Senator Ed Markey warned, "I am warning Zuckerberg. We will no longer tolerate your company harming our children and threatening our democracy."
On the other hand, Facebook appears to be actively rebutting these criticisms. Facebook stated, "We do not agree with the issues raised by Haugen," and argued, "Haugen was not involved in the work related to these matters."
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