Frances Haugen worked for Google and Pinterest, among others, before Facebook, where she was involved with the algorithms that would predict what users were interested in, according to the NZZ. In 2019, she joined Facebook as an idealist. Haugen’s goal was to save people from misinformation and radicalizing content. Her ideas were shattered, however, so shortly before 7 p.m. on May 17, 2021, she left the words in the search box of Facebook’s internal “Workplaces” system, “I don’t hate Facebook. I love Facebook. I want to save it.”
The algorithm of facebook leads to the fact that only certain contents are presented to each individual user in the preview based on his usage behaviour. The selection is made by Facebook’s so called “rage algorithm”. The goal of this algorithm is to reach users on an emotional level, engage them, and increase profits. Haugen’s own study shows that it would be easiest to keep users if anger played a central role. Furthermore, she describes that this circumstance divides the society and causes violence. (Tagesschau.de)
She revealed incriminating documents to the Wall Street Journal to support her allegations. Among other things, an internal company study on the negative consequences of the consumption of content on Instagram (a subsidiary of Facebook), especially among young girls, which lead to eating disorders and depression. The company withheld and downplayed the results of the study. Instagram even planned a form of “Instagram kids” designed specifically for tweens (children between the ages of ten and twelve). Further development of the platform was initially halted. (T3n.com)
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg countered that it was up to tech companies to create specific platforms tailored to teenagers’ needs while ensuring their safety. (T3n.com)
Mark Zuckerberg further commented that Haugen’s accusations were not true. Facebook argued by stressing that the network was trying to strike a balance between the right of billions of people to free speech and a safe environment for users. (Tagesschau.de)
In the first instance, Haugen has applied to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for protection as a whistle-blower in order to be protected from claims for damages. The protection would be granted if the SEC could determine that Facebook had denied users and investors the right to truthful information. (NZZ) She might even be entitled to a bonus, which would result from a part of the fine to Facebook.
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