by Barbara Ortutay and Matt O Brien, AP Technology Writers May 7, 2021 .
Facebook’s oversight board, which on Wednesday upheld the company’s ban of former President Donald Trump, also had some harsh words for the company. Calling Facebook’s indefinite ban of Trump a “vague, standardless penalty,” the board accused Facebook its corporate sponsor of seeking to ”avoid its responsibilities” by asking its quasi-independent oversight group to resolve the issue.
But critics aren’t convinced that the board’s decision represents a triumph of independence or accountability. Many, in fact, see its narrow focus on one-off content issues as a distraction from deeper problems such as Facebook’s massive power, its shadowy algorithms that can amplify hate and misinformation, and more serious and complicated questions about government regulation.
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Facebook s oversight board: Watchdog or distraction?
BARBARA ORTUTAY and MATT O BRIEN, AP Technology Writers
May 6, 2021
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FILE - In this April 14, 2020 file photo, the thumbs up Like logo is shown on a sign at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. Facebook s oversight board, which on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 upheld the company’s ban of former President Donald Trump, also had some harsh words for its corporate sponsor: Facebook. But critics aren t convinced this decision is a triumph of accountability, and say its actions may actually distract from more fundamental issues that Facebook seems less interested in talking about.Jeff Chiu/AP
Facebook said it has publicly made clear that the oversight board is not a replacement for regulation.
SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook s oversight board, which on Wednesday upheld the company s ban of former President Donald Trump, also had some harsh words for its corporate sponsor: Facebook. In applying a vague, standardless penalty and then referring this case to the Board to resolve, Facebook seeks to avoid its responsibilities, the board wrote in its decision.
But critics aren t convinced that the board s decision represents a triumph of accountability. Many, in fact, see its narrow focus on one-off content issues as a distraction from deeper problems such as Facebook s massive power, its shadowy algorithms that can amplify hate and misinformation and more serious and complicated questions about government regulation.
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Facebook s oversight board: Watchdog or distraction?
FILE - In this April 14, 2020 file photo, the thumbs up Like logo is shown on a sign at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. Facebook s oversight board, which on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 upheld the company’s ban of former President Donald Trump, also had some harsh words for its corporate sponsor: Facebook. But critics aren t convinced this decision is a triumph of accountability, and say its actions may actually distract from more fundamental issues that Facebook seems less interested in talking about. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)