WASHINGTON — Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen asked Congress to create regulations to rein in the tech company, which she claims prioritizes financial benefits over public interests, in a Tuesday Senate subcommittee hearing.
“I believe in the potential of Facebook, we can have social media we enjoy, that connects us, without tearing apart our democracy, putting our children in danger, and sowing ethnic violence around the world, we can do better,” Haugen said.
Haugen said even though Facebook does not allow users under the age of 13, the company does not encourage a better detection system. These young users, who oftentimes prompt their parents to join the online platform, are valuable to Facebook, she added.
Multiple senators expressed their support for Haugen’s courage to speak against Facebook and promised upcoming changes.
“Here is my message for Mark Zuckerberg, your time of invading our privacy, promoting toxic content, and preying on children and teens is over. Congress will be taking action,” said Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.
