Facebook accuser Frances Haugen sets up ‘Off-Screen’ Foundation to tackle social media harms
Accuser Frances Haugen – a former Facebook engineer who leaked documents showing the company put profit before safety – on Thursday set up an organization to combat harm caused by the network. caused by society.
The new Beyond the Screen nonprofit says its first project will be to document the ways big tech is failing its “legal and ethical obligations to society” and help come up with solutions. solve those problems.
“We can have social media that brings out the best in us, and that is what Beyond the Screen is all about,” says Haugen.
“Beyond the Screen will focus on tangible solutions to help users take control of our social media experience.”
Last year, Haugen leaked a series of internal studies that showed executives knew their websites’ potential for harm, prompting the US to push for new regulation.
Haugen competes with the tech giant, has since changed its name to Meta, put profit above safety. Meta has resisted the allegation.
Haugen’s nonprofit says it will partner with groups including Common Sense Media and Project Liberty that share a “commitment to supporting healthier social media.”
According to a statement by Beyond the Screen, Beyond the Screen’s first project “represents a bold, comprehensive, and much-needed effort to drive a seismic shift in the way social media works.” .
“We look forward to working with Frances and her team to launch this new initiative and advance our shared goal of enabling healthier digital communities and preventing harmful business models.”
Since leaving Facebook in 2021, Haugen has advocated in the US and other countries for legislation aimed at making social media platforms safer, especially for young people.