With over a billion users, Facebook is easily the biggest social media platform in the world. It has helped break geographical barriers for people who are seas apart. It has also become an outlet for personalities to promote themselves. However, there is a downside to Facebook’s openness and freedom as it has been used and abused for the spreading of fake news.
A recent report released by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee criticizes Facebook’s lack of action towards fake news. It went as far as saying that Facebook is putting democracy at risk. DCMS chair Damian Collins also says that things are going to be more complicated from here on out.
Moreover, Collins is accusing Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of having contempt towards the U.K. parliament. The reason being that the CEO refused to testify against the U.K. court despite being present for U.S. and E.U. hearings. He adds that Zuckerberg has fallen short of showcasing the type of leadership and personal responsibility a person of his stature should have.
The results of the report were acquired after an 18-month investigation of Facebook and other social media platforms. The document also stated that it is time to create an independent regulator for social media sites. Moreover, it calls for the creation of a code of conduct that punishes offenders with large fines. Beyond this, the lawmakers also want to impose more regulations for the social media platforms.
In a statement, Facebook clarified that it helped with the investigation, citing it has answered over 700 questions. It also worked with several senior executives that have provided evidence of their defense.
Facebook’s response to the criticisms made of it short but it does hold some weight to it. It has shown efforts in controlling fake news, one of which is by partnering with publications as fact checkers. However, despite its best efforts, it falls short in doing so and fake news is still prominent on the platform. As the years go by, people will continue to abuse the social media platform further, for Zuckerberg, it might be time to be more aggressive with their approach.
Since the Cambridge Analytica Scandal was exposed, Facebook has been on the receiving end of flak from lawmakers. It is apparent that Zuckerberg must be wiser in the future steps the company will take if it wants to remain at the top.
Dil Bole Oberoi
