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Facebook, Twitter Execs Admit Failures, Warn of 'Overwhelming' Threat To Elections (gizmodo.com)
Openly recognizing their companies' past failures in rare displays of modesty, Facebook and Twitter executives touted new efforts to combat state-sponsored propaganda across their platforms before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, acknowledging that the task is often "overwhelming" and proving a massive drain on their resources. Gizmodo: In opening remarks on Wednesday, Facebook's chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, acknowledged that Facebook had been "too slow to act" in 2016 against the Kremlin-backed campaign that was designed to sow discord among American voters. "That's on us," she said, describing Moscow's meddling as "completely unacceptable" and a violation of Facebook's values "and of the country we love." "We're investing for the long term because security is never a finished job," Sandberg added, noting that Facebook has increased its security and communications staff to 20,000 people, doubling it over the past year. "Our adversaries are determined, creative, and well-funded," she said. "But we are even more determined -- and we will continue to fight back."
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, meanwhile, portrayed the matter as not just a threat to democracy, but as a threat to the overall health and security of his business, saying that above all else, Twitter's goal is to serve a "global public conversation." Dorsey also acknowledged a range of threats faced by his company, including widespread abuse, manipulation by foreign powers, and "malicious automation" (i.e., bots). "Any attempts to undermine the integrity of our service is antithetical to our fundamental rights," he said, calling freedom of expression a "core tenant" upon which the Twitter is based. Google, which was also asked to appear before the committee, chose not to do so. An empty chair was left at the table next to Sandberg and Dorsey to signify Google's absence.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, meanwhile, portrayed the matter as not just a threat to democracy, but as a threat to the overall health and security of his business, saying that above all else, Twitter's goal is to serve a "global public conversation." Dorsey also acknowledged a range of threats faced by his company, including widespread abuse, manipulation by foreign powers, and "malicious automation" (i.e., bots). "Any attempts to undermine the integrity of our service is antithetical to our fundamental rights," he said, calling freedom of expression a "core tenant" upon which the Twitter is based. Google, which was also asked to appear before the committee, chose not to do so. An empty chair was left at the table next to Sandberg and Dorsey to signify Google's absence.
Agreed. This is puzzling.
Why would Facebook and Twitter admit that their business is a threat to democracy.
If true, shouldn't we shut these non-essential websites down until they can operate safely?
Should the US block them until they can operate a safe business?
As a Russian myself I see this as extremely hypocritical for Americans to be dismayed at this "election interference" considering that US never shied to meddle in politics of other countries, including Russia itself. In fact I don't even believe that it was Russian government agents who are responsible for events on those American elections, due to the fact that Russian gov has nothing to accomplish by this, they're more in bed with Clintons than with Trumps. And for sure Russian intelligence agencies would do something more effective than just making some flamewars using bot spewing nonsense that nobody with brains would take seriously. This looks more like handiwork of apolitical trolls who have history of doing stuff like that for the lulz, and they come from all national backgrounds. And all sources building up Russian interference narrative have lots reasons to lie. Entire America lives in this post truth era which entirely depends on building up narratives and hoping that they magically make themselves true.
Here is a study for you: https://www.documentcloud.org/...
TLDR - the race was very close and I believe its not possible to argue successfully that Russian meddling didn't carry the day.
Personally, I don't think we give the Russians nearly enough credit. Vladimir Putin is truly an evil genius. If you don't agree, read House of Trump House of Putin. I have to say it blew my mind. And if you're tempted to cry Fake Book, be sure to review the bibliography. Its hard to argue with facts backed up by proof.
Greed is the root of all evil.