Mark Zuckerberg responds to Facebook whistleblower's allegations

Salem Ghebremedhin

On the same day that whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before the United States Congress, on October 5, 2021, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg strongly defended his company's business practices after Congress accused Facebook of systematically prioritizing profit over the health and safety of its users.

Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post, "I think most of us just don't recognize the false picture of the company that is being painted." Later on, he added "I'm proud of everything we do to keep building the best social products in the world."

According to Haugen's argument, Facebook increases revenues at the expense of its users. She further stated that Facebook has targeted younger users despite internal data indicating that its platform Instagram is addictive and damaging to teenagers. During the hearing, Facebook was chastised for its unwillingness or lack of resources to fight issues such as the spread of misinformation across all of its platforms. Zuckerberg, on the other hand, completely disregarded Haugen's allegations.

According to reports, Facebook confessed no guilt in its conduct or readiness to improve. While disputing charges that Facebook knows its products are harmful to children but continues to advertise them to them.

Lena Pietsch, a Facebook spokeswoman, stated the week after the hearing, that Haugen had only been with the company for less than two years, never attended a meeting with C-suit executives and did not have a direct report at the company.   

However, congress took Haugen's accusations seriously. 

"It is evident that Facebook values profit over the well-being of minors and all users," Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said at the hearing.

"I think the moment has arrived to take action.  And I believe you are the catalyst for that action," said Minnesota Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar, referring to Haugen.

Hangen is not the only ex-Facebook employee to voice concerns about the firm, and Facebook, like many others, attempted to discredit Haugen, emphasizing the corporation's history of retaliating against workers who speak up.

The counterattack strategy has been similar throughout the years in scandal cases like this often less apologetic and regretful.     

In a major business like Facebook, the management leadership must respond to criticism immediately and should lead decision meetings about algorithmic regulation and research transparency.

Facebook hasn't yet responded to questions about why it's taking such an unapologetic approach towards Haugen's disclosures. 


Source

Lapowsky, Issie. Beyond the Pale: Former Facebook Staffers react to the company's Haugen Spin. Protocol, October 8, 2021.   



Comments

  1. UnknownApril 12, 2022 at 8:12 AM

    I think one of more important lessons for these free services is "if you're not directly paying for the product, then YOU are the product". Facebook gets most of their revenue through Adspend, and I wonder how they can balance security and privacy if their main source of income is directly against that?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 12, 2022 at 1:14 PM

    I think it is important to see that the company owner is attempting to discredit Haugen in this instance. Because of his actions this can affirm what is suspected of the company.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 12, 2022 at 9:33 PM

    With so many studies showing the harmful affects of the platform on young people specifically, it is almost unbelievable that the company can still deny the claims. Has Facebook conducted survey's or studies themselve to find out the harms of its platforms?

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 12, 2022 at 9:52 PM

    This is an interesting example of big companies bullying ex-employees for speaking out on important issues. The company should be willing to improve and take criticism to learn from their mistakes.

    -Daniela C.

    ReplyDelete

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