Mark Zuckerberg has broken his silence over Frances Haugen's claims that Facebook put profits above safety for users of Instagram and Facebook. He wrote, in part, that he believed the company prioritized safety over well-being and profit in a long Facebook post. It's simply not true. It is absurd to suggest that we intentionally push content that angers people for profit. Advertisers make money, and they consistently tell us that advertisers don't want ads alongside harmful or offensive content.
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Zuckerberg stated in his post that the "Meaningful social interactions change to News Feed", is proof that safety and profits are more important than profit. Zuckerberg stated that while the new platform serves less viral videos and more content from family and friends, it has made users spend less time on the site. However, the change was made because "research indicated it was the right thing for people's wellbeing."
Haugen, an ex-product manager, made an emotional opening speech to Tuesday's Senate Commerce Committee's subcommittee's consumer protection subcommittee. She stated that Facebook's products "harm children, stoke tension and weaken our democracy." She claimed that Zuckerberg and the company leaders are "how to make Facebook safer" but have not done anything because they put their enormous profits before the people.
