Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen testifies in Parliament on 8 November
MEPs will discuss with Ms Haugen the negative impact on users of big tech companies’ products and business models, and how EU digital rules can address these issues.
The hearing is organised by the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, in association with other committees: the Industry, Legal Affairs, Civil Liberties, and the special committees on Disinformation and Artificial Intelligence.
Hearing: “Whistleblower’s testimony on the negative impact of big tech companies’ products on users”
When: Monday, 8 November 2021, from 16.45 to 19.30
Where: Brussels, European Parliament, Antall building, room 4Q2
Live streaming on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre and on Europe by Satellite (EbS)
Work on regulating platforms is under way in Parliament
Online safety, the transparency of algorithms, and risk mitigation in relation to the proposed Digital Services Act (DSA) will be among the issues addressed at the hearing. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee is currently discussing how the DSA proposal, presented by the European Commission in December 2020, should be amended and improved. This draft law aims to create a safer digital space in which users rights are protected, including rules to tackle illegal content online, enhance the accountability and transparency of algorithms, and dealing with content moderation and targeted advertising.
Ms Haugen’s presentation will feed into the work of the committee on the DSA, ahead of the vote (date to be decided soon). This legislation is Europe’s chance to shape the digital economy at the EU level as well as to become a global standard-setter on digital regulation.
Press point
After the hearing, Ms Haugen will deliver a statement to the media with the rapporteur for the Digital Services Act, Christel Schaldemose (S&D, DK). The press point will take place outside the meeting room (Antall building, 4th floor) and can be followed online on Europe by Satellite. Ms Schaldemose will be available to answer to questions from journalists.
EU Digital COVID Certificate to enter Parliament
As of 3 November, all people entering Parliament’s buildings are requested to present a valid EU Digital COVID Certificate, including journalists. The EU Digital COVID Certificate proves that a person is either fully vaccinated, has immunity after having recovered from COVID-19 or can show a recent negative PCR test result. Both digital and paper formats of the EU Digital COVID Certificate or of a recognised equivalent certificate will be accepted.
A proof of a negative result of a PCR test carried out within the last 48 hours in Belgium, Luxembourg or France will also be accepted. Please note that the existing precautionary measures, including the compulsory wearing of a medical face mask and temperature checks at entrances, remain in place. More information here.
A limited number of seats will be reserved for journalists in the meeting room, allotted on a “first-come, first-served” basis and subject to a full respect of the social distancing rules.
