Break Up Facebook? Co-Founder’s Stunning Call to Action Stirs Global Debate


 

Chris Hughes helped Mark Zuckerberg transform Facebook from a dorm-room project into a real business. Now, he’s calling for the company to be broken up.

In a lengthy opinion piece published Thursday by the New York Times, Hughes says that Zuckerberg has “unchecked power” and influence “far beyond that of anyone else in the private sector or in government.”

It’s time, he writes, for regulators to break up Facebook.

“Mark is a good, kind person. But I’m angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks,” writes Hughes.

“I’m disappointed in myself and the early Facebook team for not thinking more about how the News Feed algorithm could change our culture, influence elections and empower nationalist leaders,” he continues. “And I’m worried that Mark has surrounded himself with a team that reinforces his beliefs instead of challenging them.”

Hughes is the latest in a series of prominent entrepreneurs and tech executives to call for stricter regulation of Facebook and other online platforms. They are speaking out as countries around the world rush to put better controls in place following a wave of scandals related to data privacy, election meddling and the spread of misinformation.

Zuckerberg has signaled that he’s open to some regulation. In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post in March, the CEO tried to sketch out areas where he thought regulation should start.

In Hughes view, Facebook’s calls for regulation are a way to head off a potential antitrust case.

Hughes, who has not worked at Facebook in over a decade, argues that Zuckerberg’s competitive drive and quest for domination has led the company to control an estimated 80% of the world’s social network revenue.

The entrepreneur says that Facebook is now a “powerful monopoly” that should be forced to reverse its acquisitions of Instagram and Whatsapp.

Hughes also says the US government should create a new agency to regulate tech companies.

“[Zuckerberg] has created a leviathan that crowds out entrepreneurship and restricts consumer choice. It’s on our government to ensure that we never lose the magic of the invisible hand,” Hughes writes.

Nick Clegg, Facebook’s vice president of global affairs and communications, said in a statement that accountability “can only be achieved through the painstaking introduction of new rules for the internet.”

“Facebook accepts that with success comes accountability,” he said. “But you don’t enforce accountability by calling for the breakup of a successful American company.”

Related Posts

Alanna Lynise Closes Out The Voice Season 27 Blind Auditions with a Heartfelt ‘Issues’ Performance—Watch Now!

‘The Voice’ airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC The Season 27 auditions of The Voice have come to an end Alanna Lynise was the final contestant to…

Sofronio Vasquez Opens Up About His Love Life – Fans Are Shocked by His Confession!

‘The Voice USA’ Season 26 grand champion Sofronio Vasquez has finally spoken up about his love life, as well as his growing career opportunities, including an offer…

Sofronio Vasquez’s Big Break: From The Voice USA Champion to Republic Records’ Newest Star!

The The Voice USA stage has been home to some of the most awe-inspiring vocalists in reality TV history, but few have made an impact quite like Sofronio Vasquez. With…

A 17-Year-Old Gayman Stuns the Crowd with His Deep Country Voice—And That Grin? Irresistible!

Willie Jones left an indelible mark on The X Factor stage with his rendition of “Your Man” by Josh Turner, renowned for its rich baritone tones. Opting…

Picture It: The First LGBTQIA+ Coach on The Voice! Who Will Make History?

The iconic red chair. The electrifying blind auditions. The moment a coach slams that button, spins around, and discovers the next powerhouse vocalist. For years, The Voice has given us jaw-dropping…

Sofronio Vasquez Under Fire for Overpriced Concert Tickets—Did He Cash In for a New House and Car?

When Sofronio Vasquez announced his highly anticipated concert tour, fans were thrilled. His electrifying performances and passionate fanbase made it a must-see event. But excitement quickly turned…