EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

Frances Haugen: Can we trust tech?

Fri 20 May 2022

Babbage Lecture Theatre

Join Facebook whistleblower, Frances Haugen, in conversation with Prof. Gina Neff and Prof. John Naughton, as she sheds new light on big tech’s role in national security, foreign interference and the global disparity in trust in digital technology.

In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, social media is cutting through the fog of war and influencing an active conflict like never before and in real time, demonstrating the importance of, and our increasing reliance on, digital infrastructure in today’s interconnected world.

During her time at Facebook, Frances Haugen became increasingly alarmed by the choices the company makes prioritising their own profits over public safety and putting people’s lives at risk. As a last resort and at great personal risk, Frances made the courageous decision to blow the whistle on Facebook.

In the light of recent geopolitical events and the release of the Facebook Files, Frances comes to Cambridge, to shed light on big tech’s role in foreign interference and counter espionage, and explore how we can build trust in our digital ecosystems.

Speakers:

-Frances Haugen, Data Scientist and Facebook Whistleblower

-Prof. Gina Neff, Executive Director, Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy

-Prof. John Naughton, Chair, Advisory Board, Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, Observer tech columnist

Cost: Free