Not in his usual gray t-shirt, jeans

MARK Zuckerberg appeared before the United States Congress in a business suit, so unlike his usual attire of jeans and gray shirt, to address questions from elders.

Zuckerberg, the epitome of the young, tech-consumed generation, was not announcing a Facebook algorithm change but answering questions from senators, from a generation not social media-savvy at all.

How does Facebook earn when it’s free? What kind of data does it collect? What are cookies, the kind you can’t eat? These were some of the items raised.

The US Congress is investigating reports that British consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica collected information on 87 million unsuspecting Facebook users. Issues raised were on privacy rights and possible legislation to limit the sharing of personal information. Zuckerberg answered the questions and, when he can’t, he promised his team would look into it.

The Philippines has an interest in this controversy as it topped the list of countries with the most time spent on social media each day. With 47 percent of Filipinos as active social media users, there could be a lot of personal information shared or used by companies like Cambridge Analytica without the users’ permission.

The Philippine’s National Privacy Commission wrote to Zuckerberg asking him to explain the data breach and what the options are for the 1.18 million Filipino users whose information was used by Cambridge Analytica. The country must take a role in the data breach investigation because of the number of Filipinos victimized and the wide reach of Facebook in the country. Zuckerberg may have to wear a business suit far longer than he imagined to address the breach in countries outside of the United States.

Cebu’s lolos and lolas are better off than the US Congress members who exposed their ignorance of social media when they grilled Zuckerberg.

Senior citizens have been undergoing training on the use of smartphones under the “#SmartMillenniors Program – Teach tech to your elders campaign” of Smart Communications.

Part of the training is on how to use social media, Facebook, in their communications with friends, family, including their millennial grandchildren.

Organized by the Philippine Association of Retired Persons (PARP), the training is being conducted with Smart partners - the EduStudio and Coalition for Better Education medal of excellence awardees. Senior citizens joined the first two Saturdays of training last April 7 and 14, with the final session and graduation to happen next Saturday, April 21.

Trainings are held at the Smart Communications offices in Mabolo, across the Carmelite Monastery. For inquiries, contact Grace C. Ferreros, PARP national secretary, at 09987917351 or at graceferreros@ gmail.com.

The PARP was organized on May 1, 1998, founded by Amado F. Cabaero, to assist retirees and undertake activities to uplift the physical, mental…,economic well-being, esteem and interests of retired persons, as well as enhance the quality of their lives and dignity as human beings.”