Ad-Free, Paid Version of Facebook Possible: Zuckerberg to Senators
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday testified before the Congress. Highlights from Zuckerberg’s testimony.
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Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday navigated through the first of two US congressional hearings without making any further promises to support new legislation or change how the social network does business.
- Facebook could have an ad-free paid version app, which will co-exist with the free version
- Facebook is a neutral platform that doesn’t endorse a political party in particular
- Aleksandr Kogan has sold data of Facebook users to more firms
- Facebook admits to have made ethnical blemishes on its platform, spreading communal violence
- Will make sure elections in India and Hungary are not affected by misuse of Facebook
- Facebook deletes data of users, the moment they delete the app
Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is being grilled by senators of the United States over the recent Cambridge Analytica issue, data privacy concerns and its involvement with spreading of hatred.
You can stay tuned to the live updates from the hearing with the live coverage below.
We’re getting to the bottom of what Cambridge Analytica did. This was mainly their names, the pages they followed and information about their friends.
We are working with government in US and UK to make sure no other app developers are misusing the data. Anybody found guilty, will be removed from our partner list, highlights Zuckerberg. You can also read through the full speech that Mark Zuckerberg will be presenting at the hearing.
Coming to the End of the Hearing
After a grueling five hour session, Mark Zuckerberg seems to have answered pretty much everything that the Senators had to throw at him. Having said that, the work for Facebook towards its redemption has just started, and these hearings are primarily raising need for Facebook to be regulated, for its own good.
And that’s the final statement before the hearing is adjourned for the day. Thanks for joining us and braving this marathon session.
Zuckerberg Admits Kogan Sold Data to More Firms
After a long hiatus during the hearing, Mark Zuckerberg has finally admitted that Aleksandr Kogan sold Facebook’s data to multiple firms, including Eunoia. He refrained from naming others, but assured the senator that his full statement will comprise of the other firms.
Facebook's User Agreement Sucks
Well, that’s what senator Kennedy has gently said in front of all the senators at the hearing, including Mark Zuckerberg. He also believes that multiple bills need to be put into the legislation to control the functioning of Facebook and its policies. Zuckerberg didn’t seem to agree with that, but that’s how it has been for the Facebook CEO all evening.
The 4-Hour long Hearing Continues After the Break
Mark Zuckerberg makes his way back to the seat for another round of grilling from the Senators. Now, Senator Tillis is asking Zuckerberg to jot down and broaden the timeline of Facebook since its origin in 2007, to what happened with Cambridge Analytica in 2015.
He asks, if other high-profile applications have been looked into by Facebook, that could possibly have played a role during the Obama regime. He claims that Facebook, in its current capacity cannot function without a regulatory measure in place. Without asking Mark Zuckerberg any question, Tellis seems to have made his point, and that’s about it.
Facebook Doesn't Listen to User's Microphone
Mark Zuckerberg confirms that user’s conversations aren’t heard by Facebook from the microphone on their device. He assures that users don’t need to worry about Facebook and its practices with regards to ads. And with that, the Senate is taking a short break and the hearing will begin in a short while.
Is Facebook too Powerful
Senator Dan Sullivan believes that Facebook, starting from a dorm room to a global behemoth making millions, has become a dominant force in the world. This could hamper the rise of another Facebook-like brand from a humble background.
Are you a tech company or a global brand that functions under a stipulated regulation of a publisher. We feel responsible for the content that’s on our platform, says Mark Zuckerberg. Our technology core is based around the back-end providers, and we don’t see ourselves as a publisher.
How much is Facebook investing in AI tools
We are investing a lot in AI and also hiring a lot of people who are working on security and content review. We are working as quickly as possible to reduce harmful content online. We have kicked off an investigation on which apps used the Facebook data. To think there are many countries trying to abuse our system. Mark Zuckerberg
Should Facebook get clear permission from users before selling informations?
Although facebook does require permission but Mark says “we don’t sell information”. Mark Zuckerberg agrees to support a law that allows Facebook get permission before selling the information.
Privacy of children under 16 years now being talked about. Senator Edward Markey wants specific privacy laws for kids under 16 years of age.
Zuckerberg not sure that a privacy law for kids under 16 years is needed.
AI is important in taking down unwanted or harmful content on Facebook
Senator Ben Sasse from Nebraska asks Mark Zuckerberg the definition of “Hate speech”.
There are certain obligations that firms around the world need to be regulated under as far as Facebook sharing and advertising is concerned.
Senator Ben Sasse now wants to know Mark’s views on social media addiction.
Facebook studies a lot of effects of social media and how people are building relationships all over. Facebook doesn’t only want people to consume online content but they want users to connect.
Still talking about data and what Facebook does with it
What you share is in your control says Mark Zuckerberg.
Senator Brian Schatz wants to know what Facebook does with collected data. This is becoming too repetitive now.
Senator Deb Fischer wants to know the different categories of data that Facebook collects.
Fischer asks if FB stores texts, locations, activity. Also if FB stores and discloses any of the information.
Mark Zuckerberg: We store data about what people share on the service and info about making ranking better. The data is stored with permission from users. Every person gets to control who sees their content and there are specific control on what Facebook can do with that data says Mark Zuckerberg.
“I think everyone of Facebook is safe”- Mark Zuckerberg
Session commences after the 5 minute break
Senator Mike Lee seems to be grinding Mark Zuckerberg on the Cambridge Analytica breach. To this the Facebook CEO is talking about two different types of data Facebook collects from users
Mark Zuckerberg starts after the break talking about some rectifications to his earlier made statements about Cambridge Analytica.
Zuckerberg admits the Aleksandr Kogan has been banned from Facebook. It was later acknowledged by Facebook that all the data with CA was deleted. It was recorded on contract.
Also, any firms found to be associated with CA will be blocked/banned from Facebook says Mark Zuckerberg.
Facebook Will Always be a Neutral Platform
Solid grilling ensues when Senator Cruz puts forward a straight question to Mark Zuckerberg. Does Facebook keep a check on its people and their political affiliation?
Mark responds by saying that Facebook never keeps a track of who its people are biased or against and will always make sure that the platform remains neutral when it comes to choosing a particular, political side.
Facebook's Apparent Breach of FTC Regulations
Strong allegations have been on Facebook and its app team who were responsible for letting through hatred content on its platform. Was the app team fired for its wrongdoing, asks Blumenthal, and Mark Zuckerberg believes that while the incident is a lesson for his company, but he didn’t feel the need to fire the people who let it go on the internet.
Delete Facebook Account, Delete Data
If I delete my Facebook account, will that ensure all my data will be deleted? asks, Senator Cornyn. To which, Mark Zuckerberg has said yes, it should be and then rephrases his sentence to it will be.
Facebook's Purpose of Having Messenger for Kids
We came up with Messenger for Kids because parents wanted a platform to connect with their kids, and make sure they’re able to control their kids’ social activities. When asked if data of kids using the app who’ve turned 18 will be deleted, Mark Zuckerberg bluntly says, yes.
Does Facebook Track Devices When They're Offline
In general, Facebook is not collecting data from other apps, says Mark Zuckerberg to a question about if Facebook is tracking users and their devices, even when they are not logged in or using the app.
When further quizzed, if that’s always been the case, Zuckerberg reiterates that unless users decide to share information from other apps with Facebook, it doesn’t access anything else from their device.
Senate Asking for Facebook to be Regulated
Would you like the Congress to work with Facebook to regulate the platform and its undertaking? To which, Mark Zuckerberg says, we welcome the right regulation. But when further questioned, Zuckerberg feels lost for words to answer the Senate. Typical grilling in progress, people.
When asked if the 87 million users affected by the Cambridge Analytica have been identified keeping their region in mind, Zuckerberg confirms that he doesn’t have the data, but will have his team follow up with the Senate on that.
Senate Amy Klobouchar also suggests that any such breach should be notified to the user within 72 hours, which Zuckerberg feels can be incorporated.
Facebook Collecting Call, Message and Web History Data
Mark Zuckerberg highlights the feature base of its Messenger app, which lets users link their mobile number with the app. This ensures that call and message data get picked up by Facebook via Messenger.
When quizzed if Facebook has been collecting web history of users, Mark Zuckerberg strangely requests his team to follow up on that. Senator asks him, if he’s unaware of the situation, to which, he says, he doesn’t want to comment on that
Senator Cantwell Questions Zuckerberg About Palantir
Strangely enough, Senator, Maria Cantwell is asking Mark Zuckerberg about Facebook’s association with Palantir. To which, as expected, Zuckerberg says, he’s not aware about the company. Palantir has been in the news for data privacy matter but not sure its relevance with the Facebook hearing on Tuesday.
We Don't Want Us to Fall Behind China with Latest Technology
Citing use of features like Face recognition and other technologies on Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg claims that use of such features would make sure US companies are up-to date with the best in technology. He also mentions that, using features like these will make sure US companies are at par with its Chinese counterparts.
Why Didn't Facebook Ban Cambridge Analytica in 2015
In 2015, Cambridge Analytica wasn’t an advertiser which meant we didn’t have any credible reason to scrutinize or question them. Only after the incident was reported last month, we got to terms with the extent of the matter.
When asked if Facebook will always remain free, Mark Zuckerberg interestingly states that a version of Facebook will be free. Does that mean a paid-version of Facebook could be the only way to make sure the data of user remains safeguarded? We’ll have to keep an eye on that one, Mark.
Facebook Started off from a Dorm room
We never envisaged that Facebook, which was built out of dorm room would conceivably be misused in such a drastic fashion. It’s a mistake we have made, and we’ll fully work through these issues in the coming years, Mark Zuckerberg tries to console for the past doings of Facebook by saying, we made mistakes, and we’re committed to fixing it.
We’re going to have 20,000 people by end of this year to keep a check on the content that is circulated via Facebook and make sure all the hatred stuff is removed from the platform. And looks like the hearing from Mark Zuckerberg seems to be having a positive effect on Facebook’s stock value.
Mark Zuckerberg Makes Comment on Data Privacy
Users have shared their feedback about receiving relevant information on the Newsfeed. Posting ads has been part of this strategy, which ensures that users do not have to pay for the service, enabling millions of users to connect from across the world, says Zuckerberg, defending its policies.
After coming to know about the Cambridge Analytica and how they misused the data, we asked the company to delete all the data they had access to.
Senate Puts the Questions To Mark Zuckerberg
Was data from Facebook misused by third-party services, that you were not aware of, asks Chairman Grassley. We are working to reach out to our users who were affected by the data breach. As for the data record history from the past, we’re still looking into it, and convey any update with the Congress.
Why doesn’t Facebook tell its users how the data is used, and why isn’t Facebook alerting them about such instances and giving them control for their privacy, Senator Grassley puts forward his take.
We allow users to see who they are sharing the profile, information with and offer host of privacy settings to make sure their data isn’t compromised, says Mark Zuckerberg but admits that we’re still working to make sure that all the data Facebook caters to can be safeguarded.
Mark Zuckerberg Begins his Statement
After hurricane Harvey, more than 20 million came over to Facebook to contribute to the cause. We didn’t take responsibility for the mistakes we made. I started Facebook and I am responsible for what happened.
More Senators Makes their Case for the Hearing
The FTC has found that Facebook’s privacy policies have shown mistrust towards its users. We want to know why Facebook didn’t notify its 87 million users that their data was breached and access by third-party services, asks Bill Nelson, Senator from Florida makes the plea to Mark Zuckerberg, and asks him to talk his heart about what really happened since 2015.
If Facebook or other companies cannot take care of the user data, then we, the Congress will have to, he concludes.
America is Hearing and So is the World
That’s how the members of the Senate begin the proceedings, asking Mark Zuckerberg to share the concerns and everything that possibly that’s likely to find solace with the US Senate. A brief background into what’s really caused this hearing has been touched upon by Ranking Member, Mrs Feinstein.
She even highlights the impact Facebook and its apparent data leak had on the US Elections in 2016. We very much look forward to your comment, she signs off saying.
And it Begins
The hearing is about to start and Mark Zuckerberg has taken his seat amongst the horde of photographers that have surrounded him.
What We Expect Mark Zuckerberg to Share
A lot of sorry’s are likely to be on card. In addition to that, Zuckerberg will be asked about the stringent measures that Facebook will be expected to take in order to make sure that another Cambridge Analytica-like saga doesn’t unfold.
Hearing Begins Anytime Now
The live hearing kick starts from 11:45PM (IST) when Mark Zuckerberg will get a chance to share Facebook’s side of affairs. Later on, the members of the Senate will get a chance to grill the Facebook CEO over the latest mishaps that has shook the entire world.
Long Lines, Protest Before Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Testifies
The 33-year-old internet mogul is set to appear in Washington before a joint hearing of the US Senate's Commerce and Judiciary committees some 15 or 20 minutes after the originally scheduled time of 2:15 p.m. (1815 GMT) because of a Senate vote.
Hours before the hearing, people waited in a line inside the Hart Senate Office Building, set off by velvet ropes, stretching from the briefing room down a corridor. Some brought folding chairs, while others stood or sat on the floor.
Outside the Capitol Building, which houses Congress, online protest group Avaaz set up 100 life-sized cutouts of Zuckerberg wearing T-shirts with the words 'Fix Facebook' on them.
40 Senators to Sit for Hearing, Mark Zuckerberg Met Lawmakers on 9 April
Some 40 senators out of the 100-member Senate sit on the two committees holding Tuesday's hearing, setting up a possibly marathon hearing.
Mark Zuckerberg will get a second dose of questioning on Wednesday from the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
To ease the way, Zuckerberg on Monday met some lawmakers privately, listening to their concerns before they will have a chance to interrogate him in public.
Zuckerberg appeared willing "to turn things around where he sees mistakes that have been made," Senator Bill Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, said after meeting with the CEO.
For hearings last year about Russia's alleged use of social media to influence American politics, Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's Google sent lawyers, angering lawmakers.
Zuckerberg may face a torrid time from some senators. On Tuesday, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Judiciary committee, complained via Twitter about fake profiles.
"On today of all days, I just found out that there are two fake Facebook accounts impersonating me, and guess what? Many of the ‘friends’ appear to be Russian accounts," he tweeted. "@facebook and Mr. Zuckerberg-this is unacceptable."
Facebook Facing a Growing Crisis of Confidence
Mark Zuckerberg, who founded Facebook in his Harvard University dorm room in 2004, is fighting to demonstrate to critics that he is the right person to go on leading what has grown into one of the world's largest companies.
Facebook faces a growing crisis of confidence among users, advertisers, employees and investors after acknowledging that up to 87 million people, mostly in the United States, had their personal information harvested from the site by Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy that has counted U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign among its clients.
Zuckerberg, who has never testified in a congressional hearing, said in written testimony on Monday that he had made mistakes and had held too narrow a view of the social network's role in society.
Facebook hired several outside consultants to help coach Zuckerberg, even holding mock sessions to prepare him for questions from lawmakers.
In an olive branch on Friday, Mark Zuckerberg threw his support behind proposed legislation requiring social media sites to disclose the identities of buyers of online political campaign ads. Twitter Inc also said on Tuesday, for the first time, that it supports the bill, called the Honest Ads Act.
US lawmakers have discussed legislation that would strengthen data privacy protections and enforcement. Tighter regulation of how Facebook uses its members' data could affect its ability to attract advertising revenue, its lifeblood.
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