Internet
Facebook whistleblower relies on EU plans
Frances Haugen, Facebook whistleblower, comes to a hearing of the European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Photo: Benoit Doppagne / BELGA / dpa
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Frances Haugen became known through her revelations about Facebook. Now the whistleblower is relying on a new set of rules in Europe for online corporations. There is only one chance per generation.
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen has high hopes for European plans to develop new rules for online corporations.
The Digital Services Act (DSA) has the potential to set global standards, Haugen said on Monday at a hearing in the European Parliament in Brussels.
It could induce other countries – including the USA – to introduce new rules, she emphasized. “But the law has to be formulated strongly and implemented consistently. Otherwise we will miss the opportunity to reconcile the future of technology and democracy. ” Such opportunities exist only once per generation. The EU could establish rules that contain the risks posed by online platforms and at the same time protect freedom of speech. “You can show the world how transparency and supervision have to work.”
The former Facebook employee Haugen downloaded a large collection of internal documents and made them available to the US Congress, authorities and selected media. According to her, the information shows that the group puts profits above the well-being of its users. Internal references to developments harmful to users have been ignored. Facebook rejects the allegations.
The pillars of the EU plans are the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). The law for digital markets (DMA) deals with the aspects of competition law. The DSA addresses social issues. Before the proposals of the EU Commission can be implemented, the EU states and the European Parliament have to agree on a line.