Issue One commends Senate for addressing national security concerns at Meta

In response to today’s Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing scrutinizing Meta’s business practices abroad, Issue One Policy Manager for Technology Reform Liana Keesing issued the following statement:

“Despite attempts to silence her, Meta whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams’ testimony before the Senate gives troubling insight into the company’s reckless practices jeopardizing national security.

“Foreign adversaries and malicious actors have a vested interest in disrupting our democracy by weaponizing American users’ data. Allegations that Meta sought to create a direct channel to global data for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) raises serious concerns for the safety and security of the millions of Americans who played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and billions of users worldwide. Ironically, as Wynn-Williams explains, it was Meta that led the charge to ban TikTok based on concerns about CCP access to government data — but as we’ve known all along, companies like Meta will always prioritize profit over their users and our national security.

“Issue One commends Sen. Hawley and the Senate Judiciary for holding companies accountable for failing to safeguard our data for the sake of profit. Meta has operated for far too long without meaningful oversight. As the hearing makes clear, the lack of accountability has led to questionable allegiances and disregard for American interests.

“Issue One urges Congress to adopt comprehensive privacy measures to ensure American user data stays within American borders. It’s time for bipartisan action to establish stronger safeguards for consumers and ensure a democracy-enhancing information environment for all.”