FB under fire over Jan 6 riot

WASHINGTON: Facebook has dismissed as “ludicrous” suggestions that it contributed to the US Capitol riot on January 6, a charge the company expected to be levelled in a whistleblower interview.

Facebook vice-president of policy and global affairs Nick Clegg also pushed back at the assertion its platforms are toxic for teens, after a congressional hearing in which US politicians grilled the social media giant over its impact on young users’ mental health.

The world’s largest social media platform has been embroiled in a firestorm brought about by an unnamed whistleblower, who shared a trove of company documents detailing how Facebook knew its products, including Instagram, were harming girls’ self-image.

The uproar is likely to continue with the appearance of an unnamed whistleblower on 60 Minutes to discuss accusations Facebook relaxed its security safeguards in a deal with Donald Trump, allowing it to be used by the Capitol rioters.