Congress raises questions on Facebook over Section 230 amendments

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee who turned the whistle, testified in Congress for the second time in less than two months. Speaking to House Energy and Commerce sub-committee, Haugen also urged Congress to take action to change Facebook.

In contrast to the last Haugen Congression meeting, in which he briefed senators on Facebook’s internal investigation, Wednesday had to focus on possible changes on social media platforms. In particular, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the which protects online platforms from responsibility for user actions.

“The knowledge of this committee and what Congress is doing is essential,” he said at the opening. But he also told Congress he needed to be careful and change the law because it could have unintended consequences.

“As you consider the changes to section 230, I urge you to move forward with your eyes to see the effects of change,” Haugen said. “Congress has enacted 230 states in recent years. I urge you to speak to human rights activists who can help explain how the last 230 changes have significantly affected the safety of the most vulnerable people in our region, but have not been used often for its original reasons.”

Pennsylvania attorney Michael Doyle began the trial by admitting the importance of Section 230, but said the interpretation of the courts should change. “In other words, Section 230 is very important in promoting a fast and free internet,” he said. “But I agree with those who say the courts have allowed it to go too far.”

But during the entire hearing, there was little discussion of specific changes or legislation that could change 230. Many Congressmen reiterated the need to take action, but there appeared to be little consensus on what they should do. Doyle also said in his opening remarks that committee members have passed four amendments to Article 230, including one that could be amended. security for shipped companies .

But the four bills did not take lightly the four-hour trial, which , turned to other articles. Many Republican members of the committee chose to focus more on “research,” and believed that platforms like Facebook were discriminatory against them. Haugen argued that Facebook could implement changes that would make the platform safer regardless of user’s political beliefs.

“We’ve been talking about censorship for a long time … what we need to do is make the platform safer by making decisions,” Haugen said, explaining how adding “controversy” to redistributing content can reduce the spread of lies. “We want answers like arguments to make the platform safer for everyone even if you do not speak English.”

At one point, Jim Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, seemed disappointed. “I want to say to the committee, you have been discussing this for many years, but you have done nothing,” he said. “Show me the command you gave. The 230 change should be critical in protecting children and young people on platforms like Instagram and answering them and holding them accountable. But you, as a committee, also need to be transparent, trustworthy and change the structure. ”