Facebook: Fake News, Free Speech and an Internet Platform's Responsibility

by: Andrew Hoffman

Publication Date: April 12, 2019
Length: 20 pages
Product ID#: 8-890-047

Core Disciplines: Ethics, Information - Technology & Management, Social Impact, Strategy & Management, Sustainability

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Teaching Note

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Description

This case describes the role of Facebook in society and its degree of responsibility to protect the privacy of user data and address the real-world impacts of misinformation and fake news across its site. Facebook’s idealistic goal of giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together has seemingly backfired as nefarious actors have exploited user data and the site’s infrastructure to advance political and economic goals. Facebook’s leadership has been slow to recognize and acknowledge the influence the site has had on world events, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and the Myanmar genocide against the Rohingya minority group. Facebook has also been slow to stem the spread of fake news, and addressing user data privacy is at odds with the company’s reliance on targeted advertising as its primary source of revenue.

This case offers students the opportunity to discuss the changing social and business environment in the era of the Internet, especially issues related to privacy and free speech.

Teaching Objectives

After reading and discussing the material, students should:

  • Define the role of social media and internet-based companies in managing misinformation and fake news.
  • Identify the responsibility of social media and internet-based companies regarding personal user data and information management.
  • Discuss the role of social media companies in protecting freedom of speech.
  • Evaluate the implications of social media on social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
  • Discuss the role of regulation in a rapidly evolving industry.