The Cambridge Analytica Data Breach was unprecedented and put the social network in the hot seat. This week Mark Zuckerberg completed two days of facing questions before the Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees.
The hearing showcased the influential effect social media companies like Facebook have today. In addition, it also revealed that at times the senators were unable to ask adequate questions towards Facebook's CEO Zuckerberg.
Another obstacle of this data breach involving the data firm is technology is evolving rapidly. In this case, Facebook's platform is an example of just how technologies keep changing and making it harder to understand just how it works.
At the conclusion of the hearing, it's clear to have technology policy experts in Congress
During this two day period, Zuckerberg was interrogated by 100 members of Congress. The company's founder explained that Facebook was born in his dorm and had humble beginnings. Fast-forward to the present, the social network is among the largest and most profitable to date.
As stated Another obstacle of this data breach involving the data firm is technology is evolving rapidly. In this case, Facebook's platform is an example of just how technologies keep changing and making it harder to understand just how they work.
An NBC News Think analysis suggested the necessity to have technology policy experts within Congress.
Furthermore, it added there was a need to reinstate a technology assessment office to better investigate events like the data scandal involving Cambridge Analytica.
"The Office of Technology Assessment was a nonpartisan office established in 1972 but closed in 1995, when it was de-funded by the newly-Republican controlled House just as the internet era was getting underway," wrote FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
The post goes on to explain that in its 23 years it served as a sort of in-house expert for Congress and its committees on technical and scientific matters. The total number of members were twelve. Six members of each party and were provided with cutting-edge advice on the role of new technology.
Facebook is scheduled to testify in the UK later this month
The data breach has raised concerns over the handling of users data on Facebook. After these hearings, the social and tech giant faces additional questioning. This time the Chief Technology Officer, Mike Schroepfner is will appear before British lawmakers.
Finally, Facebook faces scrutiny in Europe. For now, it is unclear what will happen to Facebook moving forward in the United States.
A New York Times article titled "Facebook Takes the Punches While Rest of Silicon Valley Ducks" explained the intricacies of this hearing. It revealed that other companies in the same space like Google and Twitter are probably watching closely to get an idea of what may happen or may not happen to their tech businesses.
