Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is scrambling to suppress a new book by a former high-ranking executive that paints a damning portrait of the company’s leadership and ethical failings. The book, Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, offers an insider’s account of Facebook’s internal dysfunction, corporate ruthlessness, and alleged complicity in global political crises.
As reported by The New York Times, Meta has taken legal action to prevent Wynn-Williams from promoting the book, securing an emergency ruling that bars her from discussing it publicly. However, the ruling does not apply to the book’s publisher, meaning Careless People remains available for purchase. Meta’s efforts to suppress the book have drawn backlash from free speech advocates, who argue that the company’s actions contradict its professed commitment to open dialogue.
A Tell-All That Cuts Deep
Wynn-Williams, a former New Zealand diplomat, spent over six years working closely with Facebook’s top leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg. Her book presents a deeply unflattering view of the company’s internal culture, portraying it as insular, cutthroat, and often absurd.
One particularly bizarre anecdote describes how Zuckerberg’s subordinates would deliberately let him win at the board game Settlers of Catan—except for one instance when Wynn-Williams won, prompting Zuckerberg to accuse her of cheating. Sandberg, meanwhile, is alleged to have fabricated a story about narrowly avoiding a deadly plane crash, a claim that left Wynn-Williams baffled.
However, the book does not just dwell on the oddities of Facebook’s executives—it also paints a bleak picture of the company’s treatment of women. Wynn-Williams recounts how, after nearly dying during childbirth, she received little sympathy from her superiors. She claims that even while recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency, she was expected to remain fully engaged in work. Upon her return from maternity leave, she was given an impromptu performance review criticising her lack of responsiveness during her time away.
Meta has denied the allegations and has circulated statements from former employees defending the company and disputing Wynn-Williams’s account. However, its legal approach has raised suspicions that the book’s claims may be more accurate than the company is willing to admit.
Censorship or Corporate Control?
Meta’s legal case hinges on a non-disparagement clause in Wynn-Williams’s severance agreement. While the ruling prevents her from promoting the book, it does not stop reviews or independent discussion of its content. Despite this, The Washington Post’s book critic, Ron Charles, revealed that Meta repeatedly contacted the newspaper about its plans for a review—an unusual move even for a company that is highly protective of its public image.
Free speech advocates argue that Meta’s actions contradict its self-proclaimed values. Viktorya Vilk of PEN America described the situation as “a blatant act of legal intimidation,” highlighting the irony of Meta using legal pressure to silence criticism while presenting itself as a defender of free expression.
The National Labor Relations Board ruled in 2023 that it is generally illegal for companies to enforce non-disparagement clauses in severance agreements, particularly in cases involving allegations of workplace harassment. However, with the potential return of a Trump administration—one that has historically been business-friendly—Meta may be betting on a more favourable regulatory climate.
A Book Meta Doesn’t Want You to Read
Beyond Facebook’s internal dysfunction, the book’s most explosive claims relate to its global influence. Wynn-Williams details secret negotiations between Facebook and the Chinese government, which allegedly resulted in the platform shutting down the account of billionaire dissident Guo Wengui. She argues that this is just one of many instances in which Facebook prioritised its business interests over its supposed commitment to free speech.
Whether Meta will ultimately succeed in silencing Wynn-Williams remains to be seen. For now, however, the company’s aggressive response has only made Careless People a must-read for those who want to understand what really happens inside Silicon Valley’s most controversial empire.