Governments around the world have been struggling to hold giant tech platforms accountable.
On Wednesday, December 9, US federal and state antitrust enforcers filed a suit against Facebook, claiming the social media giant abused its dominant position and seeking to unwind its acquisitions of messaging services Instagram and WhatsApp.
In 2018, the UK government released an investigation report that accused Facebook of “intentionally and knowingly” violating data privacy and competition laws. They called for urgent intervention on online harms, and saw the need for a regulatory system based on a duty of care to make sure social media companies act against harmful content.
This investigation was led by UK Member of Parliament Damian Collins, who was also among those who initiated the idea of an “International Grand Committee” (IGC) to discuss the spread and threats of online disinformation, questions on privacy, and protecting data of individuals, and its impact to democracy.
Collins – former chair of the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee – is a member of the Real Facebook Oversight Board.
Rappler’s Maria Ressa talked to Collins on Monday, December 7, on what governments need to pass the right legislation for social media. Watch his interview on Rappler Talk at 7 pm on Saturday, December 12. – Rappler.com
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