Mark Zuckerberg’s refusal to act on misleading posts by Donald Trump on Facebook has sparked outrage among employees. A virtual walkout and a rare open questioning of leadership have ensued, marking a significant shift in the company’s typically unified front. Zuckerberg’s stance to allow controversial posts by politicians to remain untouched has been defended under the guise of free speech. This has led to widespread criticism, with many arguing that Facebook is abdicating its responsibility as a platform.
A group of early Facebook employees penned an open letter, arguing that Zuckerberg’s decision not only betrays Facebook’s ideals but also sets a dangerous precedent. Civil rights groups have launched an advertising boycott, with major brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever joining in, causing a significant drop in Facebook’s stock.
Zuckerberg has now agreed to review Facebook’s policies around hate speech and potential state use of force. Yet, many remain sceptical, believing that this is merely a tactic to quell the growing unrest. Facebook’s refusal to moderate misleading content has resulted in the company being at odds with its employees, users, and advertisers. A change in policy could potentially alleviate these tensions, but only if it is substantial and sincere.
Go to source article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/01/opinion/facebook-zuckerberg.html