Meta, the company founded by Mark Zuckerberg, has reportedly terminated approximately 20 employees for leaking confidential information outside the organization, as stated in a report by The Verge, which cited a company spokesperson. In a statement, Meta spokesperson Dave Arnold emphasized, “We inform employees upon their hiring and provide regular reminders that leaking internal information, regardless of intent, violates our policies.” He further noted, “Following a recent investigation, around 20 employees were dismissed for sharing confidential information externally, and we anticipate further actions. We take this matter seriously and will continue to act against any identified leaks.”
In recent months, Meta has intensified its efforts to prevent leaks, particularly as it has implemented significant policy changes, including the discontinuation of company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and the reduction of content moderation on its social media platforms. These measures appear to be aimed at keeping details of these changes from becoming public knowledge.
Many observers view these actions as a shift in Meta’s approach as it seeks to align more closely with the new administration under Donald Trump. Additionally, Meta recently agreed to a $25 million settlement in a lawsuit filed by Trump after the company suspended his accounts following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
Zuckerberg has expressed his frustration regarding internal discussions being leaked, which was highlighted in a meeting that was subsequently leaked to 404 Media. He reportedly remarked, “We try to be really open, and then everything I say leaks.”
Earlier this month, Meta also laid off around 3,000 employees, representing nearly 5% of its workforce, targeting “low performers.” Concurrently, the company is making significant investments in artificial intelligence, with Zuckerberg pledging $65 billion to the sector and aiming to position Meta AI as the leading AI assistant in the market.