Facebook has been at the center of numerous controversies, each offering key lessons about privacy, ethics, and corporate responsibility. These scandals have reshaped both the platform itself and public perceptions about how social media should operate. Here’s a look at major Facebook scandals and what we learned from them.
1 The Cambridge Analytica Scandal (2018)
The 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed that the political consulting firm harvested the personal data of millions of Facebook users without their explicit consent. Cambridge Analytica used this data to build psychometric profiles for targeted political advertising, which had major implications for the 2016 US presidential election.
This data was not only collected from users who directly interacted with a personality quiz app, but also from their friends, making the data harvesting more widespread than it initially seemed.
This scandal highlighted how easily third-party apps could exploit Facebook’s privacy policies and terms of use. The fallout led to global awareness around data privacy, prompting stricter regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and increasing public calls for transparency in how companies collect and use personal data.
As users, the key takeaway here is to regularly review your privacy settings and limit the data you share with apps. Only give necessary permissions to third-party applications, and be mindful of how much personal information you expose online.
2 Whistleblowing by Frances Haugen (2021)
Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee, leaked documents in 2021 that showed the company was aware of the harmful effects of its platform. Despite knowing this, Facebook prioritized engagement and profits over user safety, according to the whistleblower. Haugen’s revelations brought into sharp focus the dark side of algorithms designed to keep users hooked, even at the expense of their wellbeing.
The documents indicated that Facebook’s research suggested Instagram negatively impacted the mental health of young people, yet the company took little meaningful action to curb this harm. This scandal emphasizes the need for platforms to balance user engagement with safety.
If you’ve ever caught yourself doomscrolling through social media for hours a day, this isn’t entirely your fault. Many of these social media companies have engineered their platforms to your senses so you stay on their platform longer.
Make sure to monitor your screen time and be selective about the content you engage with. Take breaks from social media and avoid content that negatively impacts your mental health.
3 Facebook’s Role in Myanmar and South Sudan Ethnic Violence (2017-2018)
Between 2017 and 2018, Facebook was criticized for its role in enabling the spread of hate speech and misinformation, fueling ethnic violence in Myanmar and South Sudan. In Myanmar, Facebook was used to incite violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Similarly, in South Sudan, the platform was used to spread incendiary messages that contributed to worsening ethnic tensions.
This incidents underscored how social media, without proper moderation, could amplify real-world violence. Facebook’s failure to effectively moderate harmful content in conflict zones demonstrates the need for better algorithms and more robust content policies. Users should report harmful content and promote responsible social media use.
Although social media platforms should be responsible for curbing the spread of hate and misinformation, we users should also do our part in reporting harmful content and promoting responsible social media use.
4 Facebook’s Handling of COVID-19 Misinformation (2020-2021)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook struggled to control the spread of misinformation related to the virus and vaccines. False information about treatments and conspiracy theories spread widely, leading to public health risks. The platform faced criticism for not doing enough to counteract the spread of dangerous misinformation.
This scandal underscored the crucial role platforms play in disseminating accurate information, particularly in matters of public health. While Facebook later introduced measures to flag and remove harmful content, the incident highlighted the broader challenge of combating misinformation.
Again, always fact-check information before sharing. Rely on credible sources like public health organizations (e.g. WHO or CDC) for important updates, and avoid contributing to the spread of misinformation by thinking twice before sharing posts on topics you that didn’t fact-check.
5 Data Breaches Exposing Millions of Accounts (2018-2020)
A data breach is one of the several ways hackers can hack into your Facebook account. Between 2018 and 2020, Facebook experienced several major data breaches, exposing the personal information of millions of users. These breaches raised significant concerns about the security of user data and the company’s ability to protect it from hackers.
These breaches underscored the importance of companies taking cybersecurity seriously. Facebook had to face public outrage and legal consequences for failing to secure users’ private information.
Again, despite this being Meta’s security problem, it is still our best interest to take precautionary steps to protect our social media accounts. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor account activity for any suspicious behavior. Make sure to protect your accounts after a data breach by learning about the breach and changing passwords.
6 Facebook’s Monopoly Concerns and Antitrust Lawsuits (2020)
In 2020, Facebook faced a series of antitrust lawsuits from the FTC and state attorneys general. The lawsuits accused Facebook of creating a monopoly by acquiring competitors like Instagram and WhatsApp, stifling competition in the social media space. This raises questions about the power of tech giants and their ability to dominate entire markets, leaving little room for alternatives.
The antitrust scrutiny brought renewed attention to the issue of tech monopolies and the need for regulatory oversight to ensure competition. Users were encouraged to explore alternative platforms, which could help create a more balanced and competitive digital ecosystem.
We, as users, are encouraged to explore alternative platforms to ensure a more balanced and competitive online environment. Using a variety of services can prevent over-reliance on a single company and promote healthier competition in the tech industry.
7 Manipulation of Facebook Trending Topics (2016)
In 2016, Facebook was accused of manipulating its Trending Topics feature to favor specific political viewpoints while actively suppressing other views. This sparked a debate about bias in content curation and the need for algorithmic transparency. The incident revealed the significant power platforms hold in shaping public opinion and the potential risks of biased algorithms.
Facebook later removed the Trending Topics feature, but the scandal underscored the need for platforms to ensure fairness in how they present information. This also reminds us of the importance of diversifying news sources. Don’t rely solely on one platform for news—cross-check facts with multiple, reliable sources before accepting information as true.
8 Facebook’s Real Name Policy Controversy (2014)
Facebook’s Real Name Policy, which required users to use their legal names on the platform, sparked controversy, particularly among marginalized groups like LGBTQ+ individuals, activists, and survivors of abuse. Critics argued that the policy put vulnerable users at risk by exposing them to harassment or violence.
After significant backlash, Facebook introduced changes that allowed users to provide explanations for using pseudonyms, but the controversy highlighted the need for platforms to create policies that prioritize user safety.
Advocate for your privacy rights and use pseudonyms when personal safety is a concern. Social media platforms should accommodate user needs for anonymity, especially when doing so protects their safety.
Each of these scandals has impacted Facebook’s operations and the broader social media landscape. They offer critical lessons about the responsibilities tech companies have toward user privacy, safety, and fairness. Users, too, must stay vigilant by regularly reviewing privacy settings, assessing the content they engage with, and advocating for more responsible social media practices.
