We Need to Ensure That Facebook Does Not Contribute to Unraveling Democracies

Syracuse University social media expert Jennifer Grygiel, assistant professor at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, reacts to statements by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of Facebook, on turning over Russian-linked ads to Congressional investigators looking at possible election meddling.

“Zuckerberg may care deeply about democracy as a citizen, but as the CEO of Facebook, he has run his company in a way that directly threatens it,” sayd Grygiel.

“As the controlling shareholder of Facebook he has a conflict of interest–his job is to maximize profits. We cannot simply trust that Zuckerberg will protect our democracy. Corporations do not have ‘integrity.’ They are institutions that must be regulated and monitored. At best, we hope that they will be good ‘corporate citizens.’ Facebook has failed us here too and does not consistently operate in a way that benefits society. It’s time for new laws,” says Grygiel. “Only congress can provide the motivation and oversight to ensure that Zuckerberg, and Facebook, do not contribute to unraveling democracies.”

Grygiel is available to speak to media via phone, email, Skype, or LTN studio. Please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, director of news and PR at Syracuse University, at ejmbuqe@syr.edu or 315.443.1897 or Keith Kobland, media manager at Syracuse University, at kkobland@syr.edu or 315.443.9038.