Frances Haugen, a former Facebook whistleblower reveals her identity. Haugen was responsible for a series of leaks and previously worked as a product manager for Facebook’s civic integrity team. Here’s all about her.
Who is Frances Haugen?
Frances Haugen is a 37-year old who used to work as a product manager. According to the documents she leaked, time and time again, Facebook prioritized growth over safety. On Sunday Haugen was interviewed by CBS in a 60-minute program. According to her interview, she left Facebook at the beginning of 2021 since she was becoming frustrated and irritated with the company. However, before leaving, she made a copy of a series of internal documents and memos.
Haugen shared facebook’s internal documents with Wall Street Journal. The WSJ is releasing these ‘Facebook Files‘ in batches for the past three weeks. The Facebook Files reveal how high-profile politicians and celebrities get a different treatment from the firm. Additionally, her leak reveals how the special treatment in the use of its newer policies to their accounts-XCheck.
More on the Facebook Files
The Facebook Files’ reveal is very scary, especially the allegations it is making about Instagram which is the main concern for US politicians. Facebook’s internal study found hoe Instagram is addicting to the mental health of teenagers. After all the social media platforms can be highly toxic for youngsters. A particular WSJ shows how 32 percent of teenage girls’ body image issues became worse with Instagram. Additionally, Haugen is also ready to testify on Tuesday’s “Protecting Kids Online” hearing. The Senate hearing is aiming to know more about the company’s research about how Instagram is affecting growing minds.
“There were conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook. Facebook over and over again chose to optimize for its interests, like making more money,” revealed Haugen. However, Facebook denied the claim. “To say we turn a blind eye to feedback ignores these investments, including the 40,000 people working on safety and security at Facebook and our investment of $13 billion (£9.6 billion) since 2016,” said Lena Pietsch. Pietsch is the director of policy communications at Facebook.
Facebook and the Capitol Hill connection
Another shocking revelation is the connection between the social media platform and the devastating Capitol Hill riots. Haugen claimed that Facebook played a key role in fuelling the violence. “As soon as the election was over they turned them back off, or they changed the settings to what they were before, to prioritize growth over safety, and that feels like a betrayal of democracy,” said the whistleblower.
However, Nick Clegg, Facebook’s Vice President of Global Affairs thwarted the claim. Clegg stressed that it was ludicrous to suggest such a connection. “I think it gives people false comfort to assume that there must be a technological, or technical, explanation for the issues of political polarisation in the United States,” he stated.