Facebook played a key role in what intelligence agencies have said was a sprawling effort by Russia to subvert the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The social media company has been repeatedly cited as a favored platform for white supremacists and other hate groups. But according to Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who testified before Congress Tuesday, Facebook has always chosen profit over protecting democracy, society, individual safety and the health of children. “I saw Facebook repeatedly encounter conflicts between its own profits and our safety,” she said. “Facebook consistently resolved those conflicts in favor of its own profits. The result has been more division, more harm, more lies, more threats, and more combat.” Senator Richard Blumenthal sharply criticized Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg for not taking responsibility for the harm his company caused and said Zuckerberg needs to appear before the committee. “Facebook knows its products can be addictive and toxic for children,” Blumenthal said. “They value their profit more than the pain they caused children and families.”
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