A bipartisan collective of House lawmakers introduced legislation on Nov. 9 that would require Big Tech providers such as Facebook and Google to allow users to opt-out of content selected by algorithms, providing additional transparency regarding content.
Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Ken Buck (R-Colo.) introduced the legislation in the House. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the bill in the Senate.
“When individuals log onto a website, they are not expecting the platform to have chosen for them what information is most important,” Blackburn said in a statement.
“Algorithms directly influence what content users see first, in turn shaping their worldview. This legislation would give consumers the choice to decide whether they want to use the algorithm or view content in the order it was posted.”
In a Senate subcommittee hearing on Oct. 5, she raised a number of concerns, including charging that the social media platform has had a “destructive impact” on society. She cited ethnic violence in Myanmar and Ethiopia, suggesting that there’s a link between Facebook activity and violence in the regions. The social media platform’s algorithms facilitate hate, Haugen said, and therefore put profit before user safety.
Other concerns include that Facebook is aware that it’s presenting harmful, eating disorder-related content to its young users.
“In light of the serious claims made about Facebook by Ms. Haugen, we have extended an invitation for her to speak to the Board over the coming weeks, which she has accepted,” Facebook’s Oversight Board said in a statement.
“Board members appreciate the chance to discuss Ms. Haugen’s experiences and gather information that can help push for greater transparency and accountability from Facebook through our case decisions and recommendations.”