Facebook Whistleblower Urges Elon Musk to Open Source Twitter for Transparency. A former Facebook employee known for exposing internal practices has called on Elon Musk to make Twitter’s algorithm public. Frances Haugen, who leaked documents revealing Facebook’s awareness of platform harms in 2021, stated open-sourcing Twitter’s code could boost accountability. She argued transparency would help combat misinformation and rebuild public trust.
(Facebook whistleblower suggests Musk open source Twitter to promote transparency)
Haugen shared her views during a recent interview. She highlighted parallels between Facebook’s past issues and current challenges at Twitter. Her leaks previously showed how Instagram’s algorithms negatively affected teen mental health. She now claims social media platforms must prioritize openness to avoid repeating mistakes.
Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, pledging to transform it into a free speech hub. Critics have questioned his approach, citing inconsistent content moderation. Haugen suggested Musk could set a new industry standard by releasing Twitter’s algorithm. She believes this would let experts analyze how posts are ranked or suppressed.
Musk has not yet responded directly to Haugen’s proposal. He has previously expressed support for making platform algorithms more accessible. Last year, he mentioned open-sourcing parts of Twitter’s code to increase user trust. No concrete steps have been taken so far.
Experts note open-sourcing could pose risks. Malicious actors might exploit visible code to manipulate platforms. Others argue transparency alone cannot resolve issues like hate speech or false claims. They say clear policies and consistent enforcement matter more.
Haugen’s push comes amid growing scrutiny of social media’s societal impact. Governments worldwide are debating laws to regulate tech giants. The EU recently passed the Digital Services Act, requiring platforms to share data with researchers. Haugen urged Musk to act before similar rules force his hand.
The idea faces technical and legal hurdles. Twitter’s codebase includes proprietary systems and third-party licenses. Musk’s team would need to review these before any release. Some former employees warn rushed decisions could disrupt platform stability.
(Facebook whistleblower suggests Musk open source Twitter to promote transparency)
Public reaction remains divided. Advocates say transparency would empower users. Opponents fear exposing algorithms might aid bad actors. Musk has not set a timeline for decisions. Discussions continue as pressure builds for tech firms to address transparency concerns.
