"The argument that we deliberately push for profit content that triggers anger in people is profoundly illogical": so Mark Zuckerberg, who replies from Facebook to the accusations made by the "mole" Frances Haugen.
"We make money with ads - continues Zuckerberg - and advertisers continually tell us that they don't want their ads to be juxtaposed with harmful content. I don't know of any tech company that wants to make products that make people more angry or depressed. Moral, business and product incentives all point in the opposite direction. "
Therefore, the spotlight on what has been called the darkest period since the days of Cambridge Analytica does not go out. After the black Monday of the blackout that caused the Menlo Park company to lose six billion dollars, the echo of the accusations of the former manager Haugen, called to testify in Congress, continues. "I'm here because I believe that Facebook's products harm teenagers, sow divisions and undermine our democracy," the former manager in the US Senate opened, arguing that he does not believe Facebook will suspend Instagram Kids, its platform for teen users. .
In the hearing, Haugen criticized Facebook's extreme secrecy and lack of transparency ("no one outside knows what's going on inside") as well as the functioning of its algorithms. "There is no one at the moment who can demand accountability from Zuckerberg, except himself, who has disproportionate control over Facebook and its policies by holding over 55% of the shares," said the former manager.
"Issues such as safety, well-being and mental health - Zuckerberg replies - are our priority." And as for the little ones, "the reality is - explains the CEO of Facebook - that young people use technology. how many school children have phones. Rather than ignore this, tech companies should build experiences that meet their needs while keeping them safe. "
(Unioneonline / vl)
