The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

3 ways Congress could hold Facebook accountable for its actions

  • Written by Anjana Susarla, Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University
3 ways Congress could hold Facebook accountable for its actions

Facebook may have changed its corporate name[1] to Meta Platforms, but that won’t end its troubles - nor efforts to rein in the social media company’s business practices. Lawmakers are pondering new ways to regulate Facebook[2], whose CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, wrote in 2019 that he welcomed new “rules governing the internet[3].” With that in mind, we asked three experts on social media, technology policy and global business to offer one specific action the government could take about Meta’s Facebook service.

Let users control more of their data

Anjana Susarla, Professor of Information Systems, Michigan State University

Social media sites like Facebook are designed for constant interaction to engage users’ attention. To rein in Facebook, lawmakers must first understand the harm that results from algorithmic manipulation[4] on these platforms. One thing Congress could do is make sure Facebook gives users more control over what data the company collects about them and why.

Most people who use Facebook are unaware[5] of how algorithmic recommendations affect their experience of the platform and thereby the information they engage with. For example, political campaigns have reportedly tried to manipulate engagement[6] to get more traction on Facebook.

A key aspect of providing such transparency is giving users greater access to and control over their data, similar to what’s proposed in California’s Consumer Privacy Act[7]. This would allow users to see what personal data Facebook collects about them and how the company uses it. Many people don’t realize that Meta has the ability to make inferences about their political preferences[8] and attitudes toward society[9].

A related issue is data portability tools and rights[10] that allow users to take the data, including photos and videos, that they shared on Facebook to other social media services.

Providing users with more control over their data will go a long way in ensuring independent accountability and oversight of Facebook’s operations.

Mandating transparency

Ryan Calo, Professor of Law, University of Washington

In October 2020, Facebook sent a cease-and-desist letter to New York University researchers[11]. The researchers were investigating the spread of misinformation on Facebook through political ads. The company told NYU that scraping its platform violated Facebook’s terms of service, and it threatened “additional enforcement action” should the practice continue. In August 2021, Facebook terminated the accounts of two researchers[12] and cut off NYU’s and its partners’ access to its political ad repository.

Companies like Meta are not exactly forthcoming about the problems[13] on their platforms. The public hears about issues like misinformation and bias largely through the efforts of researchers, journalists and internal whistleblowers.

Congress holds the power to stay Meta’s hand when it comes to threatening legal action or blocking accountability research. Congress could, for example, add a research exemption to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act[14], which would shield researchers from the threat of lawsuits for using data not explicitly authorized by a social media company, or protect employees from retaliation.

Congress could go further still: It could mandate transparency. Nothing about free speech doctrine or platform immunity prohibits the government from imposing auditing or reporting requirements for social media. The Federal Reserve embeds regulators in national banks.

Why shouldn’t Meta — a company with a US$900 billion market capitalization[15] and ambitions to spawn a metaverse[16] — have to open its operations to scrutiny?

An alternative approach to making Meta pay

Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

I have a pragmatic suggestion for what the government might do about Meta.

When New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo recently posed this question[17] to experts, they came back with numerous solutions. Ultimately, Manjoo concluded that with the deep political divide in Congress, “doing nothing may be the likeliest outcome.”

I, too, agree it’s the most plausible scenario. Nevertheless, one fact is incontrovertible: Meta is under pressure right now, and the government can use this leverage to extract immediate benefits for society regardless of what happens down the road.

There is a larger problem than big tech’s lack of accountability: Almost half of all Americans[18] cannot use the internet at broadband speeds. This is unacceptable in a post-pandemic world, where high-speed internet has proved essential. Broadband internet is also unaffordable for many.

Even the $65 billion earmarked for broadband in the infrastructure bill[19] just approved by Congress isn’t enough to close America’s vast digital divide. My Digital Planet research team at Tufts has estimated that the true cost of closing the infrastructure access gap is $240 billion[20] – leaving a $175 billion shortfall.

Lawmakers could use the stick of regulation to get the company to agree to blanket the nation with broadband. Meta already has two programs it could use to close gaps in both rural[21] and urban[22] areas.

At the same time, Congress could levy a tech tax[23] on digital ads sold by Facebook and other social networks to subsidize telecommunication service in high-cost areas.

By giving more people access to high-speed internet, Meta will benefit by increasing the number of people who could eventually join its metaverse[24]. While that may seem counterproductive, the ills of Facebook are outweighed by the greater ills of large swaths of the U.S. with people unable to use the internet for essential services because we couldn’t raise enough money to close the gap.

References

  1. ^ may have changed its corporate name (about.fb.com)
  2. ^ new ways to regulate Facebook (www.nytimes.com)
  3. ^ welcomed new “rules governing the internet (www.washingtonpost.com)
  4. ^ the harm that results from algorithmic manipulation (theconversation.com)
  5. ^ are unaware (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ political campaigns have reportedly tried to manipulate engagement (www.theguardian.com)
  7. ^ Consumer Privacy Act (oag.ca.gov)
  8. ^ political preferences (graphics.wsj.com)
  9. ^ attitudes toward society (www.wsj.com)
  10. ^ data portability tools and rights (techcrunch.com)
  11. ^ cease-and-desist letter to New York University researchers (www.theverge.com)
  12. ^ terminated the accounts of two researchers (apnews.com)
  13. ^ not exactly forthcoming about the problems (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (www.law.cornell.edu)
  15. ^ US$900 billion market capitalization (companiesmarketcap.com)
  16. ^ metaverse (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ recently posed this question (www.nytimes.com)
  18. ^ Almost half of all Americans (blogs.microsoft.com)
  19. ^ infrastructure bill (apnews.com)
  20. ^ closing the infrastructure access gap is $240 billion (sites.tufts.edu)
  21. ^ rural (www.facebook.com)
  22. ^ urban (tech.fb.com)
  23. ^ tech tax (www.nytimes.com)
  24. ^ its metaverse (nypost.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/3-ways-congress-could-hold-facebook-accountable-for-its-actions-169799

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping