Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who claims the social media giant put profits over the safety of the public, testified Tuesday before Florida Senator Rick Scott and the Senate Commerce Committee in Washington.
"First off," Scott asked, "do you think there should be greater consideration for age when it comes to using any social media?"
"I strongly encourage raising age limits to 16 or 18 years old," Haugen answered, "based on looking at the data around problematic use or addiction on the platform."
Haugen also pointed to children's self-regulation issues. She also told Scott Facebook should only be allowed to hold onto private research for a year or a year- and- a- half at most. "They shouldn't be allowed to keep secrets when people's lives are on the line."
Senator Scott's proposed Data Act legislation would require expressed consent from users for large platforms to use algorithms on somebody.
"Shouldn't we consent before they get to take everything about us and go sell it?" Scott asked.
"For selling personal data, that is an issue I believe people should have substantially more control over," Haugen said in agreement.
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