EditorialRebranding will not let Facebook off the hook
- The company – now known as Meta – must take responsibility for the content that appears on its many online platforms
The rebranding of Facebook as Meta is a leap from social networking to development of a “metaverse”, also embracing Instagram, WhatsApp and the virtual reality brand Oculus, in an online universe where people can socialise, work, play games and trade virtually.
Facebook responds that some of the allegations are unfounded and complains about being singled out for criticism for sharing personal data across apps when rivals do the same.
The central issue is trust. Facebook needs to win back confidence.
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Zuckerberg announces Facebook changing name to Meta to stress ‘metaverse’ plan
The question is whether it is listening to the conversation, or is pinning its faith in a rebrand to move on.
That would tend to reinforce what former employee and whistle-blower Frances Haugen has been saying: that the company does not listen, is out of touch and does what it pleases whenever it wants – regardless.