Meta's plan for Chinese user data access revealed

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, has faced criticism over his attempts to connect with China and the implications for user privacy. In a new memoir by Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Meta director, revelations suggest that Meta planned to provide the Chinese government access to user data, including from people outside China. Wynn-Williams describes Zuckerberg's previous efforts to gain favor with Chinese President Xi Jinping, including a bizarre request for Xi to name his unborn child. The book portrays Zuckerberg and his former colleague, Sheryl Sandberg, as privileged individuals whose actions have serious consequences for others. Meta has attempted to block the release of Wynn-Williams' memoir, titled "Careless People." The company claims the book violates legal agreements. Despite this, the publisher, Macmillan, intends to support Wynn-Williams' right to publish her story. Meta has publicly denounced the book, stating it contains false claims. Wynn-Williams' account reveals ongoing tensions within Meta, including allegations of misleading statements by the company's public relations team. She highlights internal debates about targeting children in advertising and the challenges Facebook faced in Australia regarding content moderation. Despite criticism from some former colleagues who claim her stories are exaggerated, Wynn-Williams stands by her account. The memoir reflects her complex relationship with Meta and her reasons for staying at the company, including initial idealism and later feelings of entrapment. The book also explores broader themes about the influence of social media on politics and the challenges of regulating powerful tech companies. Wynn-Williams positions herself as a determined individual who defied a multi-billion dollar corporation to share her experiences.