“Social media, predominantly Facebook, offered them that platform to do what they do.”Closer to home, if the allegations are proven true, the Gibbs case provides a rare snapshot of the horrific reality for victims in America who have been coerced, controlled and forced into a dangerous criminal enterprise over the social network.
Facebook spokesperson Erin McPike said, “We are cooperating with law enforcement on this case, and we will continue to do so.” McPike added that Meta has heavily invested in counter trafficking people and technologies across the world, whilst working alongside organizations like Polaris and law enforcement bodies to improve its response.
Frances Haugen detailed her time at Facebook during a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee briefing in 2021, alleging Facebook repeatedly chose profit over safety. As the defendants await their fate, the government has gathered vast troves of data from Facebook as it builds evidence for its prosecution.