Should the days of self-regulation end for Facebook?
Should the days of self-regulation end for Facebook?
YES – Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates.
Facebooks mistreatment of user data has served as a reminder that its users are not its customers, but are in fact the product.
The revelations provide compelling evidence that tech giants are struggling to self-regulate to a degree that would keep the user information safe at all times, showing a lack of self-awareness about the intricacies of their services.
Despite Mark Zuckerberg already acknowledging the need for greater regulation, we are right to question his conduct, as we have all fallen victim to Facebooks issues in monitoring its platform.
After Facebooks failures with Russian fake news articles during the 2016 election, this should serve as the final call for action.
The company has reached levels of ethical misconduct that concern every one of us.
Facebook is predicated on people openly exchanging information and ideas, and in order to continue operating within that mantra, while retaining the trust of its users.
NO – Ella Roberston, managing director of One Young World.
Mark Zuckerberg has taken full responsibility for Facebooks recent failings, and committed to addressing lax policies towards user safety that are at the heart of the public backlash.
Concern and action over unscrupulous data mining practices is entirely valid, but the hearing in Congress showed how woefully uninformed law makers are about what needs to be done. Self-regulation and public scrutiny seems more practical than bad regulation.
For many across the globe, Facebook is a vital platform that allows small business owners and activist groups to keep their costs at a low, while gaining market access.
This important infrastructure in developing markets needs regulation, but this is better driven by those who understand technology – not by senators who seemingly cant comprehend basic Facebook functions.
Facebook announced a greater transparency and new policies following the latest scandal – lets see if this approach works before regulating.
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CityAM
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