What do the surge in the Delta variant of COVID-19 and increased frequency of climate change catastrophes have in common? Facebook. Let me explain.

Hey there --

What do the surge in the Delta variant of COVID-19 and increased frequency of climate change catastrophes have in common? Facebook. Let me explain. 

Vaccine misinformation and climate denialism have found a home on Facebook:

  • As the Biden administration races against the Delta variant, Facebook has emerged as a key source of vaccine misinformation. In fact, a study found that Facebook users are substantially less likely to receive the vaccine compared to the average American. In just the last week, a viral video with vaccine misinformation racked up over 90 million engagements on Facebook before it was taken down.​​

  • While the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s recent annual report issued a "code red for humanity" given the acceleration of climate change, Facebook allows the fossil fuel industry to push false narratives about the climate crisis. Facebook has allowed ExxonMobil to run ads that aim to reshape the debate around climate change and policy solutions.

Facebook doesn’t just allow disinformation. Its business model propels it. The effects of disinformation are wreaking havoc on our public health, our climate, and our future.

Since our founding a little over a year ago, Accountable Tech has been on the frontlines of the fight to hold Facebook accountable. We’ve called out their election misinformation, we’ve criticized their PR stunt of an Oversight Board, and we’ve led the global coalition demanding an end to their toxic business model of surveillance advertising.

Our work has just begun. The months ahead will be critical for us to push forward significant legislation in the U.S. and E.U. that would rein in Big Tech’s monopoly power, undercut their toxic business model, and foster a healthier information ecosystem. 

But we can’t stand up to Big Tech without the proper resources. We’re finalizing our budget for our upcoming campaigns now. Every dollar will make a difference. If you can, please chip in to support our fight:

We're so grateful to have your support in this fight at this crucial moment.

Onwards,

Nicole
Co-founder & Executive Director
Accountable Tech

 


© Accountable Tech 2021
Accountable Tech
712 H Street NE, Suite 1141
Washington, DC 20002
United States
To stop receiving emails from Accountable Tech, please click here.