Mark Zuckerberg, founder and chief executive officer of Facebook Inc., spoke during a hearing by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in Washington, D.C., U.S.A on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed Tuesday the claims of Frances Haugen. He denied that the company puts its profits above the safety of its users.
Zuckerberg posted on Facebook that "at the heart of these allegations is this idea that profit has been prioritized over safety and well being." "That's simply not true."
Zuckerberg's comments follow nearly a month worth of Wall Street Journal reports that were based on internal Facebook research. The Wall Street Journal was first to report the findings by Haugen in May, after he left the social media company. These stories highlighted many problems with Facebook's services, which the company either ignores or doesn't address. Research shows that Facebook knows that Instagram has a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of teens.
Zuckerberg stated that he was particularly interested in the questions about his work with children. "Of all the published material, I'm focusing on the questions." "I have spent a lot time reflecting on what experiences I want for my children and others online. It is very important that all we create be safe and beneficial for them."
Zuckerberg's post follows Haugen's Tuesday morning testimony before Senators from both sides of Congress on the problems that the social media company causes for society.
Zuckerberg stated that "many of these claims don't make sense" without referring to Haugen. Zuckerberg said, "The argument that content is deliberately promoted to make people angry for profit seems deeply absurd."
Zuckerberg also asked Congress to update internet regulations to determine the age at which teens are allowed to use internet services. He also suggested how tech companies should verify users ages. Zuckerberg also recommended that companies balance privacy with visibility for parents to their children's online activities.
He wrote that he believes private companies shouldn't be able to make all the decisions, "as is the case with balancing social issues." "That is why we advocate for updated internet regulations since several years."
