Facebook Confirms Readiness to Open Its Algorithms to Regulators

A spokesperson for Facebook stated that the company is prepared to undergo greater scrutiny to ensure that its algorithms fulfill their intended role without causing harm to users. Nick Clegg, Facebook's Vice President of Global Affairs, defended the company's working practices in light of accusations made by whistleblower Frances Haugen, who reported misconduct at the company and accused it of prioritizing profits over user safety. Bloomberg News quoted Clegg saying on CNN's "State of the Union" program yesterday that algorithms "should be held accountable if necessary by regulatory laws so that people can match what our systems say they should be doing with what is actually happening." Clegg also mentioned that Facebook is open to changing the 1996 provision in U.S. law that exempts companies from liability for content posted by users. He added that Facebook is also open to restricting this protection "as long as they apply their regulations and policies as they should."