1. Privacy Failures
Facebook’s history of data breaches and sharing user data without explicit consent remains unchanged. In 2018, the Cambridge Analytica scandal exposed how data from 87 million profiles were harvested for political advertising*. Subsequent leaks continued, including a 2021 breach exposing phone numbers and private information of over 533 million users†.
2. Surveillance & Tracking
Facebook tracks users across millions of third-party websites using its “Facebook Pixel” and “Social Plugins” to build detailed profiles that fuel microtargeted ads‡. This surveillance extends beyond the platform and remains opt-out by default.
3. Mental Health Impact
Internal research revealed by The Wall Street Journal shows Facebook is aware of negative effects on teen mental health, yet continues to prioritize engagement metrics over well-being§. Users report increased anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem linked to social comparison.
4. Spread of Misinformation
Despite content moderation efforts, Facebook remains a top vector for misinformation and hate speech. Studies during the COVID-19 pandemic found that false or misleading posts reached hundreds of millions of users, undermining public health efforts¶.
5. Real-Name Policy & Censorship
Facebook’s “Real Name” policy has been criticized for disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, forcing users to reveal identities or face account suspension. Recent policy shifts still enforce strict name verification, curbing anonymity||.
6. Anti-LGBTQ+ Content & Discrimination
Facebook’s enforcement of hate speech and anti-discrimination policies has often been inconsistent regarding LGBTQ+ issues. In 2017, Facebook came under fire for allowing advertisers to exclude users interested in "Gay Pride," effectively enabling discriminatory ad targeting**. In 2025, reports from the NYT highlighted that certain pro-LGBTQ+ support groups’ posts were incorrectly flagged and demoted, while anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric remained visible††. Additionally, community feedback indicates that Facebook’s algorithmic moderation continues to struggle with fair treatment of LGBTQ+ content members.
Sources
deadlinks? report at https://github.com/ashley0143/ashley0143.github.io/issues/new
- * The Guardian: Cambridge Analytica data scandal
- † Business Insider: 533M user data leak
- ‡ EFF: Meta’s tracking pixel tracks you across the internet
- § WSJ: Facebook’s own research on teen mental health
- ¶ Nature: COVID-19 misinformation spread
- || ACLU: Critique of Real Name policy
- ** Reuters: Facebook allows exclusion of LGBTQ+ users in ad targeting (2017)
- †† NYT: Facebook’s 2025 content moderation fails on LGBTQ+ posts