Hey there --

It’s been an exciting week. 

Earlier this week, Facebook gave in to public pressure and announced they are pausing the development of Instagram of Kids. Today, NYU researcher Laura Edelson testified in front of the House Science Committee about Facebook’s lack of transparency after she was banned from the platform for studying the spread of disinformation.

Our work is paying off. We’re putting pressure on Facebook and Big Tech, and they’re feeling it. But our work isn’t done.

Facebook and Instagram (which Facebook owns) both remain a serious threat to our public health, information ecosystem, and democracy. While they may be pausing building Instagram for Kids, they could restart development anytime and we aren’t taking Facebook at their word. We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas.

On Thursday, September 30, after a Facebook executive testifies before Congress, we’re holding a rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. urging Congress to investigate Facebook. We deserve to know the truth of why Facebook covered up its own internal research and the full extent of the harms of its platforms. If Facebook won’t listen to their own internal researchers, let’s make it impossible for them to ignore us.

If you live in Washington, D.C. come join us. RSVP to get specific information about where the rally is taking place on Capitol Hill at 1:30pm ET on Thursday:

For those of you who don’t live in Washington, D.C. feel free to pass this email along to any friends or family in the area. We’ll be sure to let you know about other opportunities in the future to turn out and speak up against the power of Big Tech. 

Because of supporters like you, Facebook is finally feeling the heat. We’re just getting started.

Thanks for all your support,

Nicole
Co-founder and Executive Director
Accountable Tech