Facebook Whistleblower Reveals Herself

The former Facebook product manager is responsible for the Journal series that detailed the company's research on the effects of its social media platforms on young girls.

learn more about Entrepreneur Staff

By Entrepreneur Staff

OLIVIER DOULIERY | Getty Images

Frances Haugen outed herself Sunday as the whistleblower who brought internal Facebook documents to the Wall Street Journal and Congress, telling "60 Minutes" why she did it.

The former Facebook product manager is responsible for the Journal series that detailed the company's research on the effects of its social media platforms on young girls.

She revealed her identity online, writing that while working there, she "became increasingly alarmed by the choices the company makes prioritizing their own profits over public safety — putting people's lives at risk. As a last resort and at great personal risk, Frances made the courageous act to blow the whistle on Facebook."

Related: Facebook Pauses Plans for Instagram for Children

On "60 Minutes," she explained that she left the company in May. Prior to working at Facebook, she'd worked at a variety of tech companies like Pinterest and Yelp, but the situation "was substantially worse at Facebook."

The documents she shared not only highlighted Facebook's internal research, but its inaction on its findings. Facebook contests the reporting from the Journal, saying the series cherry-picked data for a negative impact.

In the weeks since the documents were first reported, Facebook has responded multiple times.

On Monday, VP of content policy Monka Bickert appeared on CNBC to reiterate that the company cares about the safety of its users.

"The whole point is understanding how we can be better and make a better experience," she said.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Thought Leaders

The Collapse of Credit Suisse: A Cautionary Tale of Resistance to Hybrid Work

This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for business leaders to adapt to the changing world of work and prioritize their workforce's needs and preferences.

Health & Wellness

5 Essential Steps to Expand Your Vision and Start Living Your Dream Life

It's time to break free from your comfort zone and expand your vision. When you refuse to settle for a mediocre life, you can start building a life you love.

Business Solutions

Learn to Build a ChatGPT Bot for Only $30

If you want to see what AI can do for your business, grab this course bundle today.

Business News

I'm a Former Google Recruiter. Here's How to Land a Job in Tech — and What Can Blow Your Interview

A former Google recruiter says layoffs may be trendy, but tech workers are always needed. Here's how to land a job at a major tech company.

Business News

The 'Airbnbust' Proves the Wild West Days of Online Vacation Rentals Are Over

Airbnb recently reported that 2022 was its first profitable year ever. But the deluge of new listings foreshadowed an inevitable correction.