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Published Mar 7, 2018

Recode Decode: Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg on techlash and #MeToo (Live)

Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's COO, delves into the company's response to techlash, the importance of digital empowerment, and bolstering small businesses, while also tackling gender dynamics affected by the #MeToo movement, and advocating for inclusivity for women and LGBTQ+ in the workplace.
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Episode Highlights

  • Election Interference

    addresses Facebook's ongoing efforts to combat election interference, emphasizing the platform's responsibility to prevent misuse. She acknowledges past failures, particularly during the 2016 election, and outlines proactive measures taken in subsequent elections in France, Germany, and Alabama 1. Sandberg highlights Facebook's commitment to transparency and cooperation with investigations, stating, "We're investing heavily in both people and technology to make sure we can do all we can to prevent these problems" 2. This includes increasing staff dedicated to security and leveraging AI and machine learning to anticipate and counteract threats.

       

    Social Media Abuses

    The conversation shifts to the broader issue of social media abuses, where discusses the dual nature of technology as a tool for both good and harm. She stresses the importance of maintaining strict community standards to combat hate, bullying, and terrorism on Facebook 1. Sandberg notes, "Any technology that's ever been invented has been used for good and bad, and there will always be bad people," highlighting the ongoing challenge of evolving platform policies to address new forms of abuse 3. Facebook's recent changes aim to foster meaningful social interactions, which research suggests can enhance psychological well-being.

       

    Economic Empowerment

    also explores how Facebook is empowering small businesses and individuals economically, focusing on digital skills training. She points out that 70 million small businesses use Facebook, with many reporting hiring growth, and highlights the significant economic contributions of LGBTQ entrepreneurs 3. "We have a responsibility to make sure that technology doesn't just benefit some, but benefits all," Sandberg asserts, emphasizing Facebook's role in supporting economic development through digital skills training 4. This initiative aims to ensure that technological advancements are inclusive and beneficial to diverse communities.

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