The Current19:53
Canada has an "amazing opportunity" to lead a coalition of smaller countries in demanding accountability from Facebook, says former employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen.
"If you can get together 100 million, 200 million people — you know, countries — you will be able to force change from Facebook," said Haugen, who left her role as a product manager at the social media giant last May and disclosed thousands of internal company documents to the media.
Haugen has accused Facebook of putting profits before the well-being of its users — from failing to protect children and their mental health, to fuelling misinformation and inciting political violence. She's also called for stricter government oversight to address these problems.
"I have faith that Canada could be a leader in driving that change," she told The Current's Matt Galloway.
Haugen said she disagrees with the idea that larger powers, like the U.S. and European Union, should lead the charge.
She pointed to the U.K., which last year brought in sweeping regulations (and potentially heavy fines) around how websites and apps interact with children online, and how their data can be used.
WATCH | Canada could lead 'coalition for change,' says Facebook whistleblower:
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