Ruppersberger Drops Facebook Over Company’s Handling Of Misinformation & Hate Speech

3 years ago 369

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) — Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is ditching Facebook successful effect to whistleblower complaints astir the company’s handling of misinformation, toxic and hateful content.

The lawmaker announced the determination Wednesday, saying he’s deactivating his authoritative Facebook and Instagram accounts until the societal media elephantine and Congress marque changes to support ideology and the wellness of its users including children.

“Facebook’s basal concern exemplary sows part and disinformation and I tin nary longer usage it — and beforehand it from my authoritative mediums — successful bully conscience for the clip being,” Ruppersberger said.

The determination follows explosive allegations from erstwhile Facebook worker Frances Haugen, who claims that the company’s algorithm rewards “angry, polarizing and divisive content,” and that Instagram is harmful for teenage girls.

As The Washington Post reports, the algorithm valued reactions specified arsenic the aggravated emoji 5 times much than a “like,” amplifying posts that “were disproportionately apt to see misinformation, toxicity and low-quality news.”

It’s not conscionable Facebook’s work to marque things right, according to Ruppersberger, who said lawmakers request to get progressive too.

“While Facebook indispensable bash amended to constabulary themselves, Congress indispensable besides enactment and walk tenable societal media reforms,” helium said. “I look guardant to learning much astir what we tin bash to beforehand alteration and supporting authorities to that effect.”

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The congressman said constituents tin inactive prosecute with his bureau connected societal media done Twitter. He besides encouraged them to interaction his legislative and territory offices by telephone and email.