Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Identity, Accuses Company of Prioritizing Profit

Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Internal Conflicts and Concerns

Recently released internal documentation from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) indicated that Facebook permitted preferential treatment for high-profile users, while simultaneously possessing knowledge regarding the detrimental effects of Instagram on adolescent mental wellbeing. The individual who disclosed this information has now been identified as Frances Haugen, as revealed in an interview with 60 Minutes, according to reports from the New York Times.

“My experience across numerous social media platforms led me to conclude that Facebook presented substantially greater risks than any I had previously observed,” Haugen stated during the 60 Minutes interview. “Repeatedly, Facebook has demonstrated a prioritization of financial gain over user safety.”

Haugen’s Background and Actions

Haugen’s tenure at Facebook began in 2019, where her responsibilities encompassed issues related to democratic processes and the spread of misinformation. She also engaged in counterespionage efforts, as detailed on a personal website and accompanying Twitter account established by her and her team.

Serving as a product manager, she departed from the company in May. Prior to leaving, she provided “tens of thousands” of pages of internal Facebook documents to John Tye, founder of Whistleblower Aid, seeking legal safeguards and assistance in their public release.

This collection of materials included internal research reports, presentation slides, and official correspondence. Furthermore, Haugen filed a formal whistleblower complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alleging discrepancies between Facebook’s internal actions and its public pronouncements.

Allegations Against Facebook

Haugen’s SEC complaint highlighted inconsistencies between Facebook’s internal research and the statements made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other company leaders. Specifically, she asserted that Facebook contributed to the dissemination of election misinformation and played a role in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol.

“Facebook has publicly emphasized its efforts to combat misinformation and violent extremism surrounding the 2020 election and the subsequent insurrection,” she wrote in a cover letter accompanying the complaint. “However, internal evidence demonstrates that Facebook was aware its algorithms and platforms amplified such harmful content, yet failed to implement effective, long-term solutions.”

She explained that the platform tolerates divisive content due to its ability to drive user engagement. “Facebook’s own research indicates that content evoking anger, divisiveness, and polarization is more readily capable of capturing people’s attention,” Haugen explained to 60 Minutes. “The company understands that modifying the algorithm to enhance safety could lead to reduced user time on the site, fewer ad clicks, and diminished revenue.”

Reaching Out to Lawmakers

In addition to contacting the SEC’s whistleblower office, which offers protections to corporate informants, Haugen and her legal counsel reached out to Senators Richard Blumenthal (D) and Marsha Blackburn (R). She also engaged with legislators in France and Britain, as well as a member of the European Parliament.

Facebook’s Response

Facing a series of recent leaks, Facebook preemptively responded to the impending 60 Minutes interview, dismissing the accusations as “misleading.” Nick Clegg, VP for policy and global affairs, told CNN that Facebook reflects “the entirety of human experience – both positive and negative” and that the company is striving to “mitigate the harmful aspects and amplify the beneficial ones.” He also characterized the suggestion that social media was responsible for January 6th as “ludicrous.”

In a statement provided to Engadget, Facebook spokesperson Lena Pietsch asserted that the interview “overlooks the substantial investments we make in ensuring user safety on our platform… To claim we actively encourage harmful content and take no action is demonstrably false.” The company also refuted any allegations of misleading the public or regulatory bodies. “We maintain the accuracy of our public statements and are prepared to address any inquiries from regulators.”

Haugen’s Goals and Upcoming Testimony

Haugen clarified that her objective is to facilitate improvements within Facebook, not to advocate for its dissolution. “The key lies in transparency and effective governance,” she stated in the video. “The goal is not to dismantle Facebook.” She is scheduled to testify before Congress regarding Facebook’s impact on young users on Tuesday, December 5th.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on Engadget.