Facebook staffers walk out saying Trump's posts should be reined in

[webfact]

Facebook staffers walk out saying Trump's posts should be reined in

By Fanny Potkin, Elizabeth Culliford and Katie Paul

 

FILE PHOTO: Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifies at a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, U.S., October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Erin Scott

 

(Reuters) - Facebook employees walked away from their work-from-home desks on Monday and took to Twitter to accuse Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg of inadequately policing U.S. President Donald Trump's posts as strictly as the rival platform has done.

 

Reuters saw dozens of online posts from employees critical of Zuckerberg's decision to leave Trump's most inflammatory verbiage unchallenged where Twitter had labeled it. Some top managers participated in the protest, reminiscent of a 2018 walkout at Alphabet Inc's <GOOGL.O> Google over sexual harassment.

 

It was a rare case of staff publicly taking their CEO to task, with one employee tweeting that thousands participated. Among them were all seven engineers on the team maintaining the React code library which supports Facebook's apps.

 

"Facebook's recent decision to not act on posts that incite violence ignores other options to keep our community safe. We implore the Facebook leadership to #TakeAction," they said in a joint statement published on Twitter.

 

"Mark is wrong, and I will endeavor in the loudest possible way to change his mind," wrote Ryan Freitas, identified on Twitter as director of product design for Facebook's News Feed. He added he had mobilized "50+ likeminded folks" to lobby for internal change.

 

A Facebook employee said Zuckerberg's weekly Friday question-and-answer session would be moved up this week to Tuesday.

 

Katie Zhu, a product manager at Instagram, tweeted a screenshot showing she had entered "#BLACKLIVESMATTER" to describe her request for time off as part of the walkout.

 

Facebook Inc <FB.O> will allow employees participating in the protest to take the time off without drawing down their vacation days, spokesman Andy Stone said.

 

Separately, online therapy company Talkspace said it ended partnership discussions with Facebook. Talkspace CEO Oren Frank tweeted he would "not support a platform that incites violence, racism, and lies."

 

A screenshot of a Twitter post by Facebook employee David Gillis on May 31, 2020. Social media website/via REUTERS

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Tech workers at companies including Facebook, Google, and Amazon.com Inc <AMZN.O> have pursued social justice issues in recent years, urging the companies to change policies.

 

Employees "recognize the pain many of our people are feeling right now, especially our Black community," Stone wrote in a text.

 

"We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership. As we face additional difficult decisions around content ahead, we'll continue seeking their honest feedback."

 

Last week, nationwide unrest erupted after the death of a black man, George Floyd, in police custody in Minneapolis last Monday. Video footage showed a white officer kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes before he died.

 

On Friday, Twitter Inc <TWTR.N> affixed a warning label to a Trump tweet that included the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter said it violated rules against glorifying violence but was left up as a public interest exception.

 

Facebook declined to act on the same message, and Zuckerberg sought to distance his company from the fight between the president and Twitter.

 

On Friday, Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post that while he found Trump's remarks "deeply offensive," they did not violate company policy against incitements to violence and people should know whether the government was planning to deploy force.

 

Zuckerberg's post also said Facebook had been in touch with the White House to explain its policies.

 

Jason Toff, a director of product management and former head of short-form video app Vine, was one of several Facebook employees organizing fundraisers for racial justice groups in Minnesota. Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook on Monday the company would contribute an additional $10 million to social justice causes.

 

Toff tweeted: "I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we're showing up. The majority of coworkers I've spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard."

 

(Reporting by Fanny Potkin in Singapore, Elizabeth Culliford in Birmingham, England and Katie Paul in San Francisco. Editing by Jonathan Weber, Chizu Nomiyama, Howard Goller, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-06-02

 

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[TopDeadSenter]

The intolerant liberals in charge of Facebook should know that listening is one of the most underrated skills of this decade ( millenia) . More discussion with more people means getting more information. What you choose to do with that is your choice. I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

 The quicker Trump changes Facebook and Twitter, that only allow one side to speak freely, to publisher status rather than forum status and make them responsible for the drivel that ends up on their feeds the better. Bring on the lawsuits!

[PatOngo]

4 minutes ago, TopDeadSenter said:

I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

You obviously have no problem listening to a right wing clown!

[BobBKK]

Sack them!  Those entitled employees are lucky to have a job and it's not up to them to decide. Facebook is FULL of SCAMS these days and they should focus on THAT.

[watso63]

Stopped using Fakebook about 2 years ago because of the hypocrisy. Deliberately censoring right of centre posts and comments whilst promoting the unwashed lefties.

[Kelsall]

So Trump-haters want to deny even the President of the United States his right of free speech.

 

Not gonna happen.

[LomSak27]

Mr Zuckerberg makes too much money to reign it in. It some people suffer, get killed, If others use it too stoke hatred and bigotry;  Som Nam Naa.  

 

[ezzra]

Just like the the Golem of Prague who was created to serve a good of the community needs and one day when the rabbi forgot to deactivate the beast for the sabbath the golem went on a rampage and wreck havoc and destruction where ever he went so is FB now, created with good intentions in mind only to be morphed into this uncontrollable monster that no one can tame...

[Cryingdick]

1 hour ago, TopDeadSenter said:

The intolerant liberals in charge of Facebook should know that listening is one of the most underrated skills of this decade ( millenia) . More discussion with more people means getting more information. What you choose to do with that is your choice. I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

 The quicker Trump changes Facebook and Twitter, that only allow one side to speak freely, to publisher status rather than forum status and make them responsible for the drivel that ends up on their feeds the better. Bring on the lawsuits!

 

Facebook is smart to stay away from censorship. Don't underestimate Zuckerberg. A few employees walked off.. big deal. Facebook has people begging to work for them. Zuck knows how to maneuver politically. Dorsey of Twitter is a douchebag and is putting his company in danger.

 

I took a short position in TWTR as this is going to get ugly for them. FB would rather partner with Shopify to create FB shop and make tons of money. Fighting with Trump isn't profitable and Dorsey will find that out later. 

 

FB is playing this brilliantly and TWTR will be like Myspace some day. Zuckerberg is a reptilian for sure but he is one clever lizard. He is playing this brilliantly, Libra as a way to enable payments for Facebook Shop partnered with Shopify is a monster and destined to be one of the largest companies in the world sooner rather than later.

 

 

Edited June 2, 2020 by Cryingdick

[geriatrickid]

1 hour ago, BobBKK said:

Sack them!  Those entitled employees are lucky to have a job and it's not up to them to decide. Facebook is FULL of SCAMS these days and they should focus on THAT.

Yes there are many "scams" on Facebbok. Almost all are linked back to Russia, China or iran. Common scams  relate to downplaying Covid19 or planting false information.

BTW, in case you didn't know, employees in the USA are allowed to have their own opinions.  Many of those people you wish to "sack" are the people who made the company as successful as it is today. They also own shares in the company and are technically owners. If you disagree, buy the shares of the company and share your opinion with the BOD.

 

1 hour ago, TopDeadSenter said:

The intolerant liberals in charge of Facebook should know that listening is one of the most underrated skills of this decade ( millenia) . More discussion with more people means getting more information. What you choose to do with that is your choice. I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

 The quicker Trump changes Facebook and Twitter, that only allow one side to speak freely, to publisher status rather than forum status and make them responsible for the drivel that ends up on their feeds the better. Bring on the lawsuits!

All of what you have stated is BS. Twitter has a terms of service agreement that users must agree to when joining up.  it's the same as Thai Visa.  trump is not obliged to use Twitter. he can use the Fox message board or MySpace or Grindr or whatever.

Do you even know what Twitter did? It was a mild statement. 

 

This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible. Learn more

....These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!

 

You may not believe that the Trump post is inappropriate or encourages violence, but that is how tens of millions of people have  interpreted it.

 

 

50 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

So Trump-haters want to deny even the President of the United States his right of free speech.

 

Not gonna happen.

The actions of the Facebook staffer  have nothing to do with free speech. They are protesting trump's encouragement and incitement of violence, and of his pathological lying.

 

Know what is offensive? Trump's threat to "take control", which is in effect a threat to violate the spirit of the US Constitution. Trump went on to threaten to unleash the US military against its citizens. He had US military troops deployed in washington DC.  Think about it: Trump wishes to turn  the military on  US citizens. How odd that the very people who accused previous  presidents of such acts, now applaud an actual threat and action to do so by a vile thug.

 

[geriatrickid]

1 hour ago, LomSak27 said:

Mr Zuckerberg makes too much money to reign it in. It some people suffer, get killed, If others use it too stoke hatred and bigotry;  Som Nam Naa.  

Mr. Zuckerberg does not "own" facebook. He is a minority shareholder. Ever hear of Peter Parker, Eduardo Saverin, chris Hughes, li Kai Shing, Microsoft, peter Thiel, Yuri Milner Jim Breyer & Acel partners? Combined they control the company because they own about 40%+ of the company and hold more shares than Zuckerberg.   30% of the shares are owned by employees and general investors like pension funds.

[PatOngo]

1 hour ago, Kelsall said:

So Trump-haters want to deny even the President of the United States his right of free speech.

 

Not gonna happen.

Not while he can hide in his bunker and project through Twitter! Maybe a photo op with a bible in his hand on the steps of a church, what do you think?  

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, geriatrickid said:

Mr. Zuckerberg does not "own" facebook. He is a minority shareholder. Ever hear of Peter Parker, Eduardo Saverin, chris Hughes, li Kai Shing, Microsoft, peter Thiel, Yuri Milner Jim Breyer & Acel partners? Combined they control the company because they own about 40%+ of the company and hold more shares than Zuckerberg.   30% of the shares are owned by employees and general investors like pension funds.

 

People that are ignorant of what FB actually is doing often times lash out at Zuckerberg and FB because that's what cool kids and old people do. There is so much criticism of FB and social media even on social media sites like this one. It's comical really. 

[BobBKK]

16 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

Yes there are many "scams" on Facebbok. Almost all are linked back to Russia, China or iran. Common scams  relate to downplaying Covid19 or planting false information.

BTW, in case you didn't know, employees in the USA are allowed to have their own opinions.  Many of those people you wish to "sack" are the people who made the company as successful as it is today. They also own shares in the company and are technically owners. If you disagree, buy the shares of the company and share your opinion with the BOD.

 

All of what you have stated is BS. Twitter has a terms of service agreement that users must agree to when joining up.  it's the same as Thai Visa.  trump is not obliged to use Twitter. he can use the Fox message board or MySpace or Grindr or whatever.

Do you even know what Twitter did? It was a mild statement. 

 

This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible. Learn more

....These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!

 

You may not believe that the Trump post is inappropriate or encourages violence, but that is how tens of millions of people have  interpreted it.

 

 

The actions of the Facebook staffer  have nothing to do with free speech. They are protesting trump's encouragement and incitement of violence, and of his pathological lying.

 

Know what is offensive? Trump's threat to "take control", which is in effect a threat to violate the spirit of the US Constitution. Trump went on to threaten to unleash the US military against its citizens. He had US military troops deployed in washington DC.  Think about it: Trump wishes to turn  the military on  US citizens. How odd that the very people who accused previous  presidents of such acts, now applaud an actual threat and action to do so by a vile thug.

 

"tens of millions of people have  interpreted it"  evidence?  or just your 'opinion'?

[TopDeadSenter]

17 minutes ago, geriatrickid said:

Do you even know what Twitter did?

Yes. They "fact checked" Trump's statement using CNN as the definitive credible source. 'nuff said.

[LomSak27]

Just now, geriatrickid said:

Mr. Zuckerberg does not "own" facebook. He is a minority shareholder. Ever hear of Peter Parker, Eduardo Saverin, chris Hughes, li Kai Shing, Microsoft, peter Thiel, Yuri Milner Jim Breyer & Acel partners? Combined they control the company because they own about 40%+ of the company and hold more shares than Zuckerberg.   30% of the shares are owned by employees and general investors like pension funds.

 

Companies always set it up like this ... it's all in the paperwork

 

 

"Under the current structure, Class A voters receive only one vote per share, while Class B voters—which consist of the company's management and directors—receive 10 votes per share. This means that Zuckerberg, the company's majority shareholder who holds 75% of Facebook's Class B stock, controls 58% of Facebook's vote."

[Rimmer]

A couple of off topic posts removed

[Tug]

Trump should be heald accountable just like everyone else he should be called out when he lies and incites violence what he did today to get a photo op in front of the church today was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in my life tear gassing those folks for a bs photo op 

[Psimbo]

2 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

The intolerant liberals in charge of Facebook should know that listening is one of the most underrated skills of this decade ( millenia) . More discussion with more people means getting more information. What you choose to do with that is your choice. I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

 The quicker Trump changes Facebook and Twitter, that only allow one side to speak freely, to publisher status rather than forum status and make them responsible for the drivel that ends up on their feeds the better. Bring on the lawsuits!

Ahhhh- 'The Liberals'.  Surprised you didn't use 'Lib-tard'. Quickest way possible to lose an argument to be honest.

 

Keep drinking the Orange Kool Aid.

[Cryingdick]

8 minutes ago, Tug said:

Trump should be heald accountable just like everyone else he should be called out when he lies and incites violence what he did today to get a photo op in front of the church today was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in my life tear gassing those folks for a bs photo op 

 

The issue is who gets that right. and does it apply to everybody equally? FB is staying out of that and TWRT is making an issue. It will be interesting to see which strategy pays off in the end. 

[Blue Muton]

4 hours ago, Kelsall said:

So Trump-haters want to deny even the President of the United States his right of free speech.

 

Not gonna happen.

Nonsense, they just want his lies, racism, xenophobia, myopia and other prejudices called out for what they are.

[billd766]

5 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

The intolerant liberals in charge of Facebook should know that listening is one of the most underrated skills of this decade ( millenia) . More discussion with more people means getting more information. What you choose to do with that is your choice. I reject the idea of some left wing fascist deciding what I am able to read or discuss.

 The quicker Trump changes Facebook and Twitter, that only allow one side to speak freely, to publisher status rather than forum status and make them responsible for the drivel that ends up on their feeds the better. Bring on the lawsuits!

Well said from one of Trump most ardent supporters who truly believes that Trump never tells a lie and should not only be in charge of the USA, but of the whole world. 

 

TDS, you need to take your orange glasses off and face reality.

 

Trump tends to run roughshod over allies, friendly countries and the USA as well. He believes that his is the one true voice in the whole world, and that anyone who speaks out against him is his enemy and must be fired, shut down or destroyed.

[Orton Rd]

3 hours ago, Tug said:

Trump should be heald accountable just like everyone else he should be called out when he lies and incites violence what he did today to get a photo op in front of the church today was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in my life tear gassing those folks for a bs photo op 

Nobody is accountable for voicing an opinion, all the media is accountable to the constitution, or should be:

 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

[Sujo]

4 hours ago, TopDeadSenter said:

Yes. They "fact checked" Trump's statement using CNN as the definitive credible source. 'nuff said.

Did you fact check it?

[Baerboxer]

7 hours ago, PatOngo said:

You obviously have no problem listening to a right wing clown!

 

Maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't.

 

But I have no problem listening or reading comments from right, left or center views. I will then make my own mind up which are clowns and which aren't.

 

I do have a problem with any one, including an organization's paid employees, censoring or dictating to me what I can and can't read. This is imposing their opinion and judgement which I may or may not agree with. But I should be free to chose. Not have the choice made for me.

[Baerboxer]

57 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

Nobody is accountable for voicing an opinion, all the media is accountable to the constitution, or should be:

 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

 

Ah but in this modern enlightened age, the left wing liberals think they know better than those who wrote the constitution. They believe they know better than anyone else and that only their views, opinions and ideas should be communicated. All else is bad and must be censored. They really don't want people forming their own views, ideas and opinions. 

[Baerboxer]

2 hours ago, Blue Muton said:

Nonsense, they just want his lies, racism, xenophobia, myopia and other prejudices called out for what they are.

 

You mean because that's what you label things you don't like? So therefore, they have to be censored?

 

Well maybe the liars in Congress, who have been lying through their teeth, should be censored too?

[KhaoNiaw]

1 minute ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Ah but in this modern enlightened age, the left wing liberals think they know better than those who wrote the constitution. They believe they know better than anyone else and that only their views, opinions and ideas should be communicated. All else is bad and must be censored. They really don't want people forming their own views, ideas and opinions. 

Seems pretty much standard for anyone on the right as well.

[Baerboxer]

4 hours ago, Tug said:

Trump should be heald accountable just like everyone else he should be called out when he lies and incites violence what he did today to get a photo op in front of the church today was one of the most disgusting things I’ve seen in my life tear gassing those folks for a bs photo op 

 

And do you condemn those thieving, looting, destroying and attacking the police whilst breaking curfew laws?

 

 

[Phoenix Rising]

'Trump says right-wing voices are being censored. The data says something else'

 

LOL, the poor muzzled right, indeed!