MPs to receive Meta whistleblower’s book as tech giant silences author with legal action
Politicians are being sent a copy of Careless People on behalf of Molly Rose Foundation, in a partnership with the book’s publisher Pan Macmillan.
Every MP across the country will receive a copy of Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams’ book Careless People on behalf of Molly Rose Foundation, in a partnership with the book’s publisher Pan Macmillan. The exposé of Meta alleges that the company used algorithms to identify when teenagers were feeling vulnerable and worthless as a targeting field for advertisers. It alleges the company could establish when a girl deleted a selfie and alert beauty companies to it so they could target advertising at potentially vulnerable children.
The book, whose author spent seven years at Meta (previously Facebook), ultimately as Director of Global Public Policy, also includes claims that Wynn-Williams’ efforts to commission an independent audit into the potential harm was blocked by senior bosses.
Molly Rose Foundation was set up following the death of fourteen-year-old Molly Russell. A coroner concluded that the effects of online content viewed on social media 'contributed to her death in a more than minimal way'.
Molly was algorithmically exposed to a torrent of depressive, suicide and self-harm content on Instagram. The inquest heard she had seen more than 2,000 posts relating to suicide, self-harm and depression on the platform in the months before her death.
The charity has sent the books to MPs to highlight the preventable harm caused by Meta’s platforms and the importance of being able to scrutinise the culture, practices and leadership of tech firms that expose users and society to harm.
The book has been sent to MPs the week after parts of the Online Safety Act came into force, with concerns Ofcom’s timid approach to regulation requires decisive action from the Prime Minister to fix the regime.
Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of Molly Rose Foundation said: 'Sarah Wynn-Williams is the latest in a series of whistleblowers who have acted at great personal cost to show how Meta puts its bottom line and commercial interests ahead of the safety of children.
Her claims that Meta cynically exploited the wellbeing of teenage girls to grow its advertising revenue will deeply disturb parents and put the conduct of Meta’s leadership under the spotlight.
At a time when the UK risks going backwards on online safety, lawmakers should carefully heed the crucial testimony of whistleblowers. The safety of our children and society cannot be left to unchecked tech oligarchs or traded-off for their promises of further investment. MPs must be tasked with strengthening the Online Safety Act and we hope this book will help to achieve that.'
Jodie Williams, Head of DEI and Social Impact, Pan Macmillan said: 'We deeply admire the important work of the Molly Rose Foundation in advocating for child safety online and are proud to support this initiative.'
The book was sent alongside a letter from Molly Rose Foundation Chief Executive Andy Burrows which can be viewed here.
Careless People
by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Welcome to Facebook. From wild schemes cooked up on private jets to risking prison abroad, Careless People exposes both the personal and political fallout when boundless power and a rotten culture take hold. In a gripping and often absurd narrative, former Director of Global Public Policy Sarah Wynn-Williams rubs shoulders with Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg and world leaders, revealing what really goes on among the global elite – and the consequences this has for all of us. Careless People gives you a front-row seat to the decisions that are shaping our world and the people who make them.