apps, the mining of, use and mis-use of Facebook data and the platform, by Cambridge Analytics (https:// cambridgeanalytica.org) and their clients and partners. But at a broader level is the power of Facebook and the new technology platforms, including Google, Instagram and Twitter...they are the new tools to deliver news and fake news, information and disinformation that affect people around the world, instantly. It is being delivered legally and potentially illegally, in ways known and unknown, transparent and in the darkness as practiced by the Trump campaign. Facebook is now not just a place to make friends. It is also a platform that has the global power to influence, impact and even determine the outcome of elections. Information derived from Facebook – and other technology platforms – can be used for good and to change the world in positive ways. Now we know it can be used deceitfully and deceptively – by domestic entities and foreign governments like Russia – to undermine our democracy, influence and undermine our elections. We already know that Russia sought to undermine the voting systems in some 17 states in the 2016 elections. All evidence points to continued efforts to meddle in the 2018 mid-term elections. Everybody – except the current resident of the White House, recognizes this and demands the highest level of action be taken to protect our democracy and our vote. Social media and internet platforms like Facebook, Google and Twitter must put in place every legal policy to prevent mis-use and abuse. They cannot afford to do "too little, too late."
People demand that their privacy rights and personal information be protected. There can be no compromise. Massive amounts of personal information and data is obtained and stored by banks, telecom and technology companies – and many have been subject to data breaches like the hack of Equifax, and every company – and thus every individual – is at risk.
Recommendations We urge a broad dialogue and conversation – in communities and in the halls of Congress – to find new policies and solutions - regulatory, technical and forensic. But be clear: it's more than about the data; it's not simply an engineering fix. We look forward to engaging with Facebook leaders, and the tech industry as a whole, to find new solutions to these unforeseen problems and issues. We’ve looked into the future. And it is now. The worst news is the manipulation and mid-use by the robbers of our dreams. The best news is that there is now a consensus commitment to muster our collective wisdom and work together to unleash new innovation to solve this crisis. As Facebook users, Rainbow PUSH will vigorously stand up for democracy and the privacy rights of our constituents, and make our views known at Facebook’s upcoming annual shareholder meeting. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President Rainbow PUSH Coalition www.rainbowpush.org Press contact: Butch Wing, 510-701-8955 bwing@rainbowpush.org Don Terry, dterry@rainbowpush.org
51 April 2018 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819