Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook, delivered explosive testimony before the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, accusing the tech giant of prioritizing profit over user safety. Her appearance before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection has reignited calls for stronger regulation of social media platforms.
Haugen, who worked on Facebook’s Civic Integrity team, recently leaked thousands of internal documents to the press and federal regulators. These documents, now referred to as the “Facebook Papers,” reveal the company’s awareness of the harmful effects its platforms can have — particularly on teenagers and democratic processes — while allegedly choosing not to act in order to preserve growth and profits.
“Facebook repeatedly misled the public and Congress about what its own research showed regarding the safety of its products,” Haugen told lawmakers. “The company knows how to make its platforms safer, but it won’t do so unless forced by regulation.”
Her testimony focused on Facebook’s (now Meta’s) internal studies that highlighted how Instagram negatively impacts mental health, especially among teenage girls. She also pointed to Facebook’s algorithmic choices that amplify divisive and harmful content because it drives engagement — and, by extension, advertising revenue.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed concern and support for Haugen’s bravery. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), who chaired the hearing, said, “Frances Haugen has given us the blueprint. It’s time for Congress to act.”
Haugen’s revelations have intensified discussions in Washington around regulating Big Tech. Lawmakers are now considering legislation that would enforce more transparency in algorithmic practices, increase data privacy protections, and potentially hold social media companies liable for the harm caused by their platforms.
Facebook has responded by disputing Haugen’s claims, asserting that the company has made substantial investments in platform safety and transparency. In a public statement, a spokesperson said, “We don’t agree with her characterization of the issues she worked on, but we agree on one thing: it’s time to create standard rules for the internet.”
The whistleblower’s testimony may prove to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over social media regulation. With mounting public pressure and bipartisan interest, lawmakers are now under increased scrutiny to enact meaningful reforms to govern the digital landscape.
For updates on proposed legislation and digital privacy reforms, visit www.congress.gov.
