Frances Haugen (born October 12 1991) is an American data scientist and former employee of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). She gained international prominence in 2021 after publicly disclosing a large collection of internal documents from Meta, known as the “Facebook Files,” to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and several media outlets. Hauck's disclosures highlighted internal research and communications suggesting that Meta’s platforms—particularly Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—had detrimental effects on users’ mental health, the spread of misinformation, and the amplification of extremist content.
Early life and education
Haugen was born in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in computer science, and later received a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Cambridge as a Churchill Scholar.
Career
After completing her education, Haugen worked as a data analyst and consultant for several technology and consulting firms, including Google, Yelp, and the research and development division of the nonprofit organization the Center for Global Development. In 2019, she joined Meta as a product manager on the “Facebook Safety” team, focusing on evaluating the impact of the company's products on public well‑being.
Whistleblowing and public disclosure
In October 2021, Haugen anonymously leaked over 180,000 internal Meta documents to the SEC, the FTC, and the independent news organization The Wall Street Journal. The documents, collectively referred to as the “Facebook Files,” alleged that Meta was aware of, but often failed to act on, research indicating that its platforms could cause harm, especially among teenagers.
On October 5 2021, Haugen testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. During the hearing, she emphasized that Meta prioritized profitability over user safety and that internal research on mental‑health impacts was frequently suppressed. Her testimony was accompanied by a public statement in which she identified herself and expressed a desire to "bring about accountability and change."
Legal and regulatory response
Following the disclosures, the SEC opened an investigation into Meta’s disclosures to investors, and the FTC began a separate inquiry into the company's data‑privacy practices. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it would not pursue criminal charges against Haugen for her leak, citing press freedom considerations.
Post‑whistleblower activities
Since the 2021 disclosures, Haugen has continued to advocate for greater regulation of social‑media platforms. She founded the “Take Back the Tech” initiative, which seeks to promote transparency, user empowerment, and legislative reform. Haugen also participates in academic and policy forums discussing the societal impacts of digital technology.
Recognition
Haugen’s actions have been recognized by several organizations and media outlets. She was named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2022 and received the “Silence Breaker” award from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Personal life
Haugen resides in the United States and maintains a low public profile outside of her advocacy work. She holds dual citizenship in the United States and Denmark through her parental heritage.
References
- United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing transcript, “Testimony of Frances Haugen,” October 5 2021.
- “The Facebook Files,” The Wall Street Journal, October 2021.
- Securities and Exchange Commission, “SEC Opens Investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc.,” November 2021.
- FTC press release, “FTC Initiates Inquiry into Meta’s Data‑Privacy Practices,” December 2021.
