Facebook users are urged to stop using the platform for a day in protest against the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
The Faceblock campaign is scheduled to coincide with the appearance of Mark Zuckerberg before the US Congress on Wednesday, where the head of Facebook will testify on privacy issues.
The international team behind the Faceblock campaign is urging users to join the 24-hour online protest by not using Facebook platforms and applications, including Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram.
This is a symbolic action in which anyone can participate.
According to Laura Ullman, spokeswoman for the #Faceblock movement, the move comes in protest of the 87 million accounts exploited by Cambridge Analytica.
"We wanted to organize an immediate action where many people could say they love Facebook but want to see it improved. "Not using the platform for a day is a symbolic move that is easy to make, but it will send a strong message," he said.
"It is Facebook's responsibility to manage its platform, but it is also the responsibility of governments to ensure that companies protect data and regulate monopolies," he added.
Some users said they were considering deleting their Facebook account altogether, but Ullman said this was not possible for everyone and that many still wanted to continue using Facebook and its other platforms.
"Not everyone has the privilege to do so. Facebook has established a monopoly and in some countries is the only entry point to the internet. "It is often the only source of news in some places," he said.
People can join #faceblock by sending their own messages to Zuckerberg and their governments, Ullman said.
Those who want to be informed about Operation Faceblock, can visit the address www.facebookblackout.org and its event on Facebook.
Source: LIFO
