Executives also distributed a list of talking points, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, so activists knew what to say if friends and family asked them about “recent events.” That list included a denial that Facebook puts profit and growth above people’s safety and how the company called for regulations from the government.
According to recordings of the meeting, in a regularly scheduled question-and-answer session with Mr Zuckerberg’s staff, which took place on Thursday, he defended Facebook and disputed Ms. Hogen’s characterization.
“We care deeply about issues like safety and well-being and mental health,” he said at one point. “So when you see press coverage that misrepresents our work and takes it out of context and then uses it to tell false stories about our motives, it’s really hard to see that. It’s disappointing.”
Amid questions about Facebook’s shutdown on Monday, when all of the company’s apps became unreachable globally for more than five hours, and issues with labor certification for foreign workers, Mr Zuckerberg also Argued that Facebook spent more on research and security. Companies like Google, Apple and Microsoft.
He assured employees that Facebook would eventually emerge for the better.
“The road to the long run isn’t smooth, is it? It’s not like such a straight line,” Mr. Zuckerberg said. “You know, sometimes, you get beaten up.”
Outside the meeting, employees have fiercely debated about Ms. Haugen and her claims. According to messages seen by The Times, some have argued that Facebook should invite him to speak at a company meeting. One said his testimony was a “wake-up call” for Facebook that was long overdue.
But other activists questioned Ms. Haugen’s motives, her background and her credentials. In an internal message, an employee said Ms Haugen was “uninformed”. Some said that he lacked technical knowledge.
