Hey there --

Facebook is hiding something. We’ve seen this time and time again. But these recent instances of Facebook hiding the truth are perhaps the most alarming yet:

• Facebook conducted internal research regarding social media’s effects on child development and self-esteem, but they refuse to release it while plowing ahead with their plans to build an Instagram for Kids. According to our recent polling, 90% of parents believe Facebook should make their findings public.


• Last month, Facebook deactivated the CrowdTangle accounts for the FWIW Newsletter team, which had been uncovering vaccine misinformation posts on the platform. If Facebook is serious about cracking down on posts that stoke vaccine hesitancy, then why are they preventing reporters and journalists from conducting their own investigations?


• And this week, Facebook banned researchers from NYU’s Ad Observatory, who were researching disinformation and political advertisements on the platform. Facebook has repeatedly stressed ad transparency and accountability, but when academic researchers dig into the data, suddenly Facebook changes their tune.

For a company that claims to care about transparency, keeping research private and blocking independent investigators isn’t a great look. We’re on the frontlines to hold Facebook accountable, but we can’t win this fight without support from you, right now.

We’re growing our programs and our team in the coming weeks—ramping up to advocate for critical legislation in Congress that’ll rein in Big Tech’s harms and monopoly power. Chip in to support our work and help us hold Facebook to account:

Every dollar and every donation makes a difference.

Appreciate your support,

Nicole
Co-founder & Executive Director
Accountable Tech