‘Children are victims of social networks’
FACEBOOK has been accused of harming children by a whistleblower who has released thousands of documents.
Frances Haugen (37) a former product manager at the social media giant, is speaking out.
Testifying in Washington DC, USA yesterday at an internet safety hearing she said: “I believe that Facebook’s products harm children, stoke division, weaken our democracy and much more.
“The company’s leadership knows ways to make Facebook and Instagram safer and won’t make the necessary changes because they have put their immense profits before people. Congressional action is needed.”
Earlier, appearing on US TV show 60 Minutes, she shared documents showing Facebook was aware of problems with its apps, including the negative effects of misinformation and harm caused, especially to young girls, by Instagram.
Facebook hit back against her claims calling many “misleading” and arguing its apps do more good than harm.
Teams
“Our teams have to balance protecting the ability of billions of people to express themselves openly with the need to keep our platform a safe and positive place,” spokesman
Lena Pietsch said.
Ms Haugen called for transparency about how Facebook entices users to extend their stay on the site, giving them ample opportunity to advertise to them.
“As long as Facebook is operating in the shadows, hiding its research from public scrutiny, it is unaccountable,” said Haugen.
Lawmakers from both US parties excoriated the company, illustrating the rising anger in US Congress with Facebook amid numerous demands for legislative reforms.
Sen Dan Sullivan, a Republican, expressed concern for how the sites affected the mental health of children. “I think we’re going to look back 20 years from now and all of us are going to be like ‘what the hell were we thinking?’”
Panel chair, Democrat Sen Richard Blumenthal said Facebook knew that its products were addictive, adding: “Tech now faces that big tobacco jaw-dropping moment of truth.”
He called for Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the committee and added: “Our children are the ones who are victims.”