Whistleblower Says Facebook Puts 'Profits Before People' at Senate Hearing

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen testified to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection on Tuesday, telling senators that “Facebook's products harm children, stoke division, and weaken our democracy.” Haugen also said she had “strong national security concerns” about Facebook’s operations and that the company had “put their astronomical profits before people” and undermined “societies around the world.” Finally, Haugen called for Congress to take action, saying, “Congressional action is needed. They won't solve this crisis without your help.” Senators from both parties praised Haugen and criticized Facebook. Haugen previously appeared on CBS’s “60 Minutes” after releasing thousands of pages of internal Facebook documents to The Wall Street Journal. 

Coverage was mostly balanced across the spectrum but more prominently featured in center- and left-rated outlets on Tuesday afternoon. At least one right-rated outlet framed Haugen as a “Leftist Activist.”