Washington D.C. - A former Meta employee has come forward with allegations that the company collaborated with the Chinese government on censorship efforts. Testifying before U.S. lawmakers, the whistleblower claimed Meta prioritized access to the lucrative Chinese market, even at the expense of national security.
The whistleblower detailed instances where Meta allegedly weakened security protocols to comply with Chinese regulations. This included modifying algorithms and content moderation policies to align with the Chinese government's censorship demands. According to the testimony, these changes allowed the Chinese government to exert greater control over information shared on Meta's platforms within China.
"The pursuit of billions in revenue led Meta to compromise its values and potentially endanger U.S. national security," the whistleblower stated. The allegations have sparked immediate calls for investigation from members of Congress. Meta has yet to issue a formal response to the specific claims, but has previously stated its commitment to protecting user data and freedom of expression, while also complying with local laws in the countries where it operates. The controversy highlights the complex challenges faced by social media companies operating in countries with strict censorship policies.
Meta Accused of Collaborating with China on Censorship
A Meta whistleblower has accused the social media giant of working with the Chinese government to censor content. The former employee testified before U.S. lawmakers, alleging the company prioritized profits in China over national security concerns. The whistleblower claims Meta actively undermined security measures to gain access to the Chinese market. These allegations raise serious questions about the influence of foreign governments on social media platforms.
Source: Read the original article at BBC