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Hawley Calls for Zuckerberg Testimony Amid China Security Allegations
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is urging Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear before Congress following whistleblower accusations asserting the tech executive “sacrificed U.S. security for Chinese profits.” The request comes as allegations mount regarding Meta’s dealings in China and concerns over national security.
Whistleblower Accusations Prompt Congressional Inquiry
Hawley’s demand follows significant testimony from Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Meta policy executive. Wynn-Williams stated on Wednesday that she witnessed Zuckerberg and other high-ranking officials mislead Congress and “repeatedly jeopardize American national security and betray American values.” These actions, she claimed, were part of a failed endeavor to appease Beijing and gain entry into the lucrative Chinese market.
In a letter addressed to Zuckerberg, Hawley stated, “The public warrants to hear your response to these grave claims, particularly as they relate to American national security.”
Subcommittee Seeks Zuckerberg’s Under-Oath Testimony
Hawley indicated that his Senate Judiciary subcommittee seeks Zuckerberg’s sworn testimony at a subsequent hearing to address Wynn-Williams’ accusations. His office will coordinate with Meta to “determine a convenient time and date” for Zuckerberg’s appearance.
Meta has not yet issued a public response to Hawley’s letter.
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Meta’s China Strategy and Revenue Concerns
Despite Meta’s unsuccessful attempts to enter China, culminating in Zuckerberg abandoning Facebook and Instagram launch plans in 2019, the company still generates $18 billion annually through advertising revenue from Chinese companies.
Wynn-Williams’ testimony included serious claims regarding Meta’s alleged endeavors to gain access to China under a clandestine internal initiative named “Project Aldrin.” Her allegations are detailed in her memoir, “Careless People,” which recounts her six-year tenure at Meta from 2011 to 2017.
Claims of Technology Briefings and Censorship Tools
The whistleblower alleged that Meta executives provided briefings on sensitive technology, including artificial intelligence, to the Chinese Communist Party. This was purportedly done with the “explicit goal being to assist China in outcompeting American firms.”
Wynn-Williams asserted these briefings were seen by Meta as a “value proposition” to persuade China to permit its services within the country. She maintains her claims are supported by documentary evidence, including internal executive communications, which has been provided to Congressional investigators and were referenced during the hearing.
Demands for Answers on Censorship and Data Risks
Hawley is demanding Zuckerberg address the allegations that Meta developed censorship tools at the request of the Chinese Communist Party. These tools, it is claimed, endangered users in Hong Kong and Taiwan and compromised the data security of American citizens.
Concerns over Blocking Dissident Accounts
The Senate is also seeking Meta’s response to allegations that the company agreed to block accounts linked to Guo Wengui, a self-exiled Chinese billionaire and dissident, in 2017 following pressure from China.
Hawley emphasized the severity of the accusations, writing, “Her testimony was replete with serious allegations regarding your company’s willingness to endanger American national interests, betray American users and Chinese dissidents, and provide false statements to Congress.”
Accusations of Misleading Congress
Hawley highlighted that Meta seemingly “misled Congress” during a 2017 hearing. At that time, a Meta executive stated actions against Guo Wengui’s account were part of standard procedures and denied any Chinese government interference.
In a recent interview, Hawley indicated that Wynn-Williams’ testimony serves as a critical test to ascertain if and when Meta executives have provided false testimony in previous Congressional hearings.
Meta Denies Whistleblower’s Allegations
Meta has firmly refuted Wynn-Williams’ allegations.
A Meta spokesperson issued a statement characterizing Sarah Wynn-Williams’ testimony as “disconnected from reality and filled with untrue claims.”
The spokesperson added, “While Mark Zuckerberg publicly discussed our interest in offering our services in China, with details widely reported for over a decade, the reality is: we do not operate our services in China today.”
Previously, a company representative explained that action was taken against Guo Wengui’s account due to policy violations involving the improper sharing of sensitive information, including passport numbers, social security numbers, and home addresses.
Meta’s Attempts to Suppress Memoir
Meta reportedly moved to prevent Wynn-Williams’ memoir from gaining traction, securing an arbitration order to restrict her from promoting or publicly discussing the book.
Senators Condemn Meta’s Actions Against Whistleblower
Numerous senators, including Hawley, have criticized Meta for attempting to silence Wynn-Williams. She testified that she faces potential damages of $50,000 for each public mention.
Whistleblower Criticizes Meta’s China Business
Wynn-Williams stated, “The greatest deception Mark Zuckerberg perpetrated was portraying himself as an American patriot while building an $18 billion business in China over the last decade.”
Meta clarified that the $50,000 figure originates from the separation agreement Wynn-Williams signed upon leaving the company in 2017. It pertains to any breach of contract, not exclusively non-disparagement.