The Demise of Facebook: Has The Time Come For Governments And Users To #CloseFacebook?

“Cambridge Analytica has shed light on the less savoury practices of this social media goliath. Now will Joe Public be the David that fells Goliath?"[1] or will governments need to step in?

Anyone who has watched The Social Network - the 2010 Oscar winning movie about the way Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, can see that it: “takes familiar ideas about trust, friendship, endeavour, ambition, betrayal and greed, into fascinating new areas of experience”[2]. - Now in 2018, these elements have been mirrored by Facebook's real life strategy- driving people to close their accounts and sending FB's stock plummeting amid intensifying scrutiny. “After the news of improper data-handling by Cambridge Analytica broke, the company suffered its worst stock decline in four years”[2]. “The company has already lost $95.48 billion dollars in 2 weeks”[1]. Moreover, experts predict that Facebook shares are potentially toxic. And if there is sufficient evidence that: “Facebook data has been used to influence Trump’s election, the Brexit decision, and many other political voting processes, Facebook could go bankrupt. The amount of legal cases and... [the costs], especially when GDPR law comes into effect, are potentially too high..."[1]. Moreover, how will users react?

“The Cambridge Analytica scandal could affect as many as 87 million FB users”

Facebook – A Major Global Invasion Agent & Election Meddler?

Decked out in a hoodie and sneakers, Zuckerberg's portrayal in The Social Network, was that of a brilliant visionary, ruthlessly driven by success at all costs, as he worked to build and open up an awesome unique social space. But what have the ambitions of the real Zuckerberg been? How has he been influenced by the heavy weight power brokers behind and around him? Or is he the one pulling the strings and influencing them? And how does he really feel about the 2.2 billion active users across the globe who have placed their trust in Facebook? Or is his seemingly ultimate ambition to be king of all media platforms, his number one priority?

During his first Questions & Answers session in 2014, at FB HQ, Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, claimed that he did not like to make “silly or frivolous” decisions such as what to have for breakfast, stating: “I really want to clear my life so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything, except how to best serve this community [of Facebook users]”[4]. He also declared: “My goal was never to make Facebook cool. I’m not a cool person, and I’ve never really tried to be cool. Our goal isn’t necessarily to make it particularly exciting to use; we want to make it useful”[4]. - But useful to whom, exactly? - The Kremlin, troll factories, and others with an agenda? Trump, and other would-be presidential hopefuls and their multi-million and billion dollar backers? The Brexit supporters, and others involved in political voting processes? - So breakfast aside, how has the multi-billionaire Zuckerberg, served the community of late?

“Zuckerberg admitted to making a “huge mistake” by failing to sufficiently consider how bad actors could abuse the social networking service” [5]

Zuckerberg was recently interviewed by Ezra Klein, who writes for the American advocacy news website Vox – an organisation, which according to the MediaBias/Fact Check site, cooperates with: “media sources [which] are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words, publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy”[6].

The CEO stated that it will probably take years to repair the issues relating to privacy violations, election meddling, and other problems related to FB's negative impact on society at large. “I wish I could solve all these issues in three months or six months, but I just think the reality is that solving some of these questions is just going to take a longer period of time,”[7], he declared. No doubt he is taking government investigations into account here as well...

Zuckerberg, went into super spin mode, and made the excuse that FB’s current difficulties have come about partly because during its initial 10 years, the platform was chiefly concentrating on linking up users, and did not pay sufficient attention to detrimental side effects. He also stressed that the company started to confront the problems in 2017 [7], although, clearly there was no choice in the matter when what had transpired hit the headlines...

Speaking at a press briefing on 3rd April, 2018, Zuckerberg said: “that he takes responsibility for a series of crises plaguing his service over the past year. These include the spread of fake news by Russian trolls and the alleged exploitation of Facebook user data by political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election”[5].

During the Vox Zuckerberg interview, Ezra Klein posed this question: “One thing that has been damaging for Facebook over the past year is a concern will arise and initially the answer is, “Very, very few people saw fake news.” Or, “Very, very few people saw anything from Russia-related bots.” And then slowly it comes out, “No, actually it was more. Millions. Maybe hundreds of millions”[9]. - So in light of the gravity of the situation, just “taking responsibility” is not enough. Outside investigation should be seen as mandatory.

“One of Zuckerberg’s longest-serving deputies prioritized all-encompassing growth over all else, a view that has led to questionable data collection and manipulative treatment of its users” [8]

“It’s clear now we didn’t focus enough on abuse,”[5]. Zuckerberg noted. He also: “reiterated a series of changes Facebook has made... [including] limiting the amount of data third-party developers can obtain by building apps on Facebook [5]. - But the horse has bolted, and there is no turning back the clock on the serious irreversible damage that has been done. And what are the chances that even more negative revelations will come out? For example, Zuckerberg has now told US politicians at the Senate Investigation Committee, that FB will investigate "tens of thousands" of apps to determine whether any other companies have obtained data in a similar way to Cambridge Analytica.

Opening Up Users' Profiles Has Been Common Practice At Facebook

In 2009, Zuckerberg revamped FB's privacy settings, and unless users understood this, and restored their individual settings, then their previously private information became public for all to be see. Congress became very concerned at the public outcry, and requested Zuckerberg to revise FB's policy, and explore its guidelines so that users clearly know what is going on [11].

Chris Hoofnagle, the Director of Privacy Programs at the University of California, Berkeley, believes that Zuckerberg deliberately pushes the boundaries on privacy, noting: they take two steps forward, and after public outcry, just take a small step back. - So to that end, over time, FB have been successful at systematically opening up users' profiles more and more [11].

Privacy is a "human right" and "a civil liberty," Tim Cook, CEO, Apple [9]

Everything is not as it should be, and the necessary level of checks to protect users were not instigated. With such brilliant minds employed by Facebook, including many who broke away from Google, this scenario seems incomprehensible. And more disconcerting news: Facebook stated that “malicious actors” had abused a feature [which has recently been disabled] to likely scrape the public profile information of the company’s two billion users”[5]. Naturally, the platform's policies regarding data handling are under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, and a number of politicians are demanding more stringent privacy laws [5]. Laws which should already have been in force.

“Facebook's Interference in Nations' Politics Will Not Be Tolerated”

Facebook has clearly demonstrated that it is a mega master of social manipulation, and that it has the unfettered power to change world events. - “Elections can lose legitimacy, or ethnic violence can break out”[10]. This means that governments need to take positive action.

Switching To A Non-Toxic Platform

There are of course, savory alternative platforms, as people are rapidly discovering. One of these is OONA. - This world 1st ad supported platform that goes beyond TV and OTT, is dedicated to serving user's on the go entertainment and messaging needs. OONA's ads are solely limited to branded products. - And this is just how it should be - zero manipulated political messages and ads, and as with OONA, a hundred percent transparency, and extremely strict data regulation for the security, welfare, and protection of its users, and compliance with the operating country's regulations.

OONA offers both free to air, pay TV, and OTT options, and is set to provide data and subscription-free movies, documentaries, series, motor sports, cookery specials, celebrity news, documentaries, educational broadcasts, live sports, breaking news, and more, over up to 300 channels, to billions of people in Asia, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the US and Europe. OONA's exciting new concept gives users and content holders 100% control, and allows viewers to get what they want to watch at the moment they want to watch it - anytime, anywhere. It also also gives users a cool way of choosing, sharing and editing their fab entertainment content, and even rewards them for sharing entertainment content, and watching channels and ads. OONA has initiated its service by providing this state-of-the-art free platform to 185 million plus Indonesians, as a result of its partnership with Telkom Indonesia – one the the world's foremost telcom giants.

OONA, the brainchild of leading digital strategist, CEO and serial entrepreneur, Christophe Hochart, will be officially launching this summer of 2018 - and is well on course to fulfill its Mission Statement: “To make life fun for billions of people by providing free Mobile TV.”

Indonesia Leads The Way In Declaring Taking Any Necessary Action Against Facebook

Indonesia is home to the largest economy in Southeast Asia, and is on track to become the biggest digital economy in the area. It is a region with a population of in excess of 260 million, of whom close to 115 million use Facebook. Ahead of the upcoming presidential race in Indonesia, Rudiantara, the highly respected Minister of Communication and Information Technology, stated that: “Facebook could be shut down if there is evidence the personal data of citizens is being systematically harvested”[12].

“Rudiantara’s warning comes amid a crackdown in Indonesia on the use of social media to publish fake news and hate speech” [13]. His stance will address the “growing fears the democratic election could be influenced by Facebook and other social media websites” [12]. "If I have to shut them down, then I will do it,"[12], Rudiantara said in an interview on the 5th of April, 2018, pointing out that Indonesia has previously blocked Telegram, the encrypted messaging app. "I did it. I have no hesitation to do it again,” the Communications Minister added”[12]. - Clearly, this is this type of strong leadership and decisive action which needs to be implemented by individual countries worldwide.

Speaking to Bloomberg Business, Rudiantara, warned that Facebook could face harsh penalties if it fails to abide by a 2016 decree regarding the protection of personal data and information. He said: "There are administrative sanctions. I can issue the warning letter to them. There will also be criminal sanctions"[12]. He explained that under Indonesian law: “Facebook employees could face up to 12 years in jail and a fine of up to 12 billion rupiah ($873,000 or £620,000) [12]. Further, he stated: "I want an undertaking that there were no Indonesian Facebook users whose information or data was used by Cambridge Analytica, if that is the case, I can chase them..."[12].

Bloomberg also notes that: “Australia’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Timothy Pilgrim, confirmed on March 20 his office had also sought to clarify with Facebook "whether any personal information of Australians was involved" in the scandal”[13].

In Summary

Zuckerberg says that he wants to make the world a better place – yet it is clear that he also wants to be Number 1 - and that can mean ruthless operating tactics. The old adage, never judge a book by its cover, is very appropriate here – an ultra cool guy dressed in a gray t-shirt, hoody and sneakers, who set up and works at an ultra cool company in Silicon Valley, who says he is not cool, and does not operate to make FB cool, has to know that he is not just dealing with a program or piece of gadget – he is dealing with people's identities. Historically, he has been guilty of pushing the boundaries of people's privacy and manipulating its users, and now Facebook faces very serious questions about improper data handling and election manipulation.

Facebook has gone a step too far, and what is unfolding now, may only be the tip of the iceberg. - Time will tell... But what is very important, is that individual countries take appropriate action to see if their citizen's have been affected by Facebook's gross dereliction of duty, and then act accordingly. Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rudiantara, has taken a stance that sets an example for all.

Ultimately, even with Zuckerberg's proposed sweeping changes, 2.2 billion people across the world, still have to ask themselves: Do I want my life controlled by Facebook, and its constant changes, some of which are driven by manipulation? Or do I want to simplify things and be part of a platform such as OONA, which guarantees full transparency, and user data and information protection? - A platform that is there to entertain, educate, and make life fun with interactive tools and great messaging and sharing facilities?

And when it comes to politics, people can go to reputable political websites – it's as simple as that...

References

[1]. Dawkins, David (2018). “Facebook shares Latest Facebook stock Plummets as scrutiny intensifies.” Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/938171/Facebook-shares-stock-fall-Cambridge-Analytica-Bank-of-America-Merrill-Lynch Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[2]. French, Philip (2010). “The Social Network – Review.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/17/the-social-network-review Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[3]. Cherney, Max, A. (2018). “Zuckerberg: #DeleteFacebook has not had effect, but it will take years to fix Facebook.” MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/zuckerberg-deletefacebook-has-not-had-effect-but-it-will-take-years-to-fix-facebook-2018-04-04 Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[4]. Batty, David, & Johnson, Chris (2014). “Social Network ‘made up stuff that was hurtful,” says Mark Zuckerberg.” The Guardian.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/nov/08/mark-zuckerberg-social-network-made-stuff-up-hurtful Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[5]. Vanian Johnathan (2018). “Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Admits 'Huge Mistake' But Will Not Step Down.” Fortune. http://fortune.com/2018/04/04/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-data-cambridge-analytica/ Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[6]. MediaBias/Fact Check (2018). “Left Bias.” https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/vox/ Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[7]. Roettgers, Janko (2018). “Zuckerberg Says It Will Take Years to Fix Facebook’s Problems.” Variety. http://variety.com/2018/digital/news/zuckerberg-vox-interview-tim-cook-1202741329/

Accessed 5 Apr. 2018.

[8]. Mac Ryan et al. (2018). “Growth At Any Cost: Top Facebook Executive Defended Data Collection In 2016 Memo — And Warned That Facebook Could Get People Killed.” Buzz Feed News. https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanmac/growth-at-any-cost-top-facebook-executive-defended-data?utm_term=.qoB4d3GDRd#.glm3l6LNyl Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[9]. Yurieff, Kaya (2018). “3 takeaways from Mark Zuckerberg's interview with Vox.” CNN. http://money.cnn.com/2018/04/02/technology/mark-zuckerberg-vox-interview-facebook/index.html Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[10]. Klien, Ezra (2018). “Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook’s hardest year, and what comes next.”

https://www.vox.com/2018/4/2/17185052/mark-zuckerberg-facebook-interview-fake-news-bots-cambridge Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[11]. YouTube (2018). “Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Full Story”. Bloomberg Game Changers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiFwyilXXLU Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[12]. Brown, Aaron (2018). “Facebook could face a complete shutdown, should its users’ privacy be threatened.” Express. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/941374/Facebook-Shut-Down-Indonesia-Users-Election Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.

[13]. Salna, Karlis (2018). “Indonesia Threatens to Shut Down Facebook If Privacy Breached.”

Bloomberg Politics. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-02/indonesia-threatens-to-shut-down-facebook-if-privacy-breached Accessed 6 Apr. 2018.