Facebook Inc. (FB) whistleblower Frances Haugen testified to the U.S. Congress on internal documents on Tuesday that showed the company’s products were harmful, including adolescent mental health issues and harmful political debates. Hogan’s testimony boosted the motivation to pass stricter regulations on US technology giants.
The documents collected by Hogan show how Facebook’s auditing rules favor elites, how the company’s algorithms cause disputes, and how drug cartels and human traffickers use Facebook services publicly. These documents provided the basis for The Wall Street Journal’s “Facebook Files” series of investigative reports.
Haugen said on the Senate Consumer Protection Subcommittee: “I have witnessed Facebook repeatedly encounter conflicts between its own profits and our security. Facebook has always resolved these conflicts in a way that benefits its own profits.” She said : “As long as Facebook operates secretly, conceals its research, and is not subject to public supervision, the company does not have to take responsibility. Facebook will not change unless the relevant incentive mechanism is changed.”
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