Facebook fires employee who protested inaction on Trump posts
Katie Paul
3 Min Read
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Facebook Inc fired an employee who had criticized Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg’s decision not to take action against inflammatory posts by U.S. President Donald Trump this month, citing his tweet challenging a colleague’s silence on the issue.
FILE PHOTO: A Facebook logo is displayed on a smartphone in this illustration taken January 6, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Brandon Dail, a user interface engineer in Seattle, wrote on Twitter that he was dismissed for publicly scolding a colleague who had refused to include a statement of support for the Black Lives Matter movement on developer documents he was publishing.
Dail sent the tweet a day after joining dozens of employees, including the six other engineers on his team, in abandoning their desks and tweeting objections to Zuckerberg’s handling of Trump’s posts in a rare protest at the social media company.
“Intentionally not making a statement is already political,” Dail wrote in the tweet, sent on June 2. He said on Friday that he stood by what he wrote.
Facebook confirmed Dail’s characterization of his dismissal, but declined to provide additional information. The company said during the walkout that participating employees would not face retaliation.
Dail did not respond to a request for comment.
ADVERTISEMENT By ADNG.NG CHEAPEST SOCIAL MEDIA ADS TO TOP FB IG USERS
Trump’s posts which prompted the staff outcry included the racially charged phrase “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” in reference to demonstrations against racism and police brutality held after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.
Twitter affixed a warning label to the same post, saying it glorified violence. Facebook opted to leave the post untouched.
Zuckerberg defended his decision at a tense all-hands meeting with employees that week. During the meeting, Dail tweeted that it was “crystal clear today that leadership refuses to stand with us.”
Dail again voiced objections this week after both Facebook and Twitter declined to take action against a Trump post that contained an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory about Martin Gugino, a 75-year-old protester who was critically injured by police in Buffalo, New York.
“Trump’s attack on Martin Gugino is despicable and a clear violation [of] Facebook’s anti-harassment rules. It’s again extremely disappointing that we (and Twitter) haven’t removed it,” he said.
Internal dissent is often encouraged at Silicon Valley tech giants, but the companies have been accused of penalizing workers who organise and air complaints publicly.
ADVERTISEMENT By ADNG.NG CHEAPEST SOCIAL MEDIA ADS TO TOP FB IG USERS
Alphabet’s Google fired at least five workplace activists late last year, while Amazon dismissed critics of its warehouse conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Both companies denied firing employees for speaking out.
Reporting by Katie Paul; additional reporting by Paresh Dave; Editing by Greg Mitchell, Will Dunham, Cynthia Osterman and Daniel Wallis
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Premium Domain Name? A premium domain name is the digital equivalent of prime real estate. It’s a short, catchy, and highly desirable web address that can significantly boost your brand's impact. These exclusive domains are already owned but available for purchase, offering you a shortcut to a powerful online presence. Why Choose a Premium Domain? Instant Brand Boost: Premium domains are like instant credibility boosters. They command attention, inspire trust, and make your business look established from day one. Memorable and Magnetic: Short, sweet, and unforgettable - these domains stick in people's minds. This means more visitors, better recall, and ultimately, more business. Outshine the Competition: In a crowded digital world, a premium domain is your secret weapon. Stand out, get noticed, and leave a lasting impression. Smart Investment: Premium domains often appreciate in value, just like a well-chosen piece of property. Own a piece of the digital world that could pay dividends. What Sets Premium Domains Apart? Unlike ordinary domain names, premium domains are carefully crafted to be exceptional. They are shorter, more memorable, and often include valuable keywords. Plus, they often come with a built-in advantage: established online presence and search engine visibility. How Much Does a Premium Domain Cost? The price tag for a premium domain depends on its desirability. While they cost more than standard domains, the investment can be game-changing. Think of it as an upfront cost for a long-term return. BrandBucket offers transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you're getting. Premium Domains: Worth the Investment? Absolutely! A premium domain is more than just a website address; it's a strategic asset. By choosing the right premium domain, you're investing in your brand's future and setting yourself up for long-term success. What Are the Costs Associated with a Premium Domain? While the initial purchase price of a premium domain is typically higher than a standard domain, the annual renewal fees are usually the same. Additionally, you may incur transfer fees if you decide to sell or move the domain to a different registrar. Can I Negotiate the Price of a Premium Domain?
In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate the price of a premium domain. However, the success of negotiations depends on factors such as the domain's demand, the seller's willingness to negotiate, and the overall market conditions. At BrandBucket, we offer transparent, upfront pricing, but if you see a name that you like and wish to discuss price, please reach out to our sales team.
How Do I Transfer a Premium Domain?
Transferring a premium domain involves a few steps, including unlocking the domain, obtaining an authorization code from the current registrar, and initiating the transfer with the new registrar. Many domain name marketplaces, including BrandBucket, offer assistance with the transfer process.
