Facebook’s business model set to withstand exposé

Significance

This followed the Senate testimony of former Facebook employee and whistle-blower Frances Haugen that the company puts "profits over people". Her critical testimony about the social media giant's alleged harmful effects on democracy and disregard for children’s wellbeing is again raising hopes among the company's critics that Congress will rein it in.

Impacts

• Haugen's forthcoming testimony to the UK parliament and possibly the European Parliament will intensify international pressure on Facebook.
• Tighter supervision over big tech will be limited by trade-offs between innovation and consumer and societal protections.
• Facebook may yet revive its Instagram for Kids project.