A former top Meta executive has accused the tech giant of putting profits ahead of national security. Speaking before the U.S. Senate, Sarah Wynn-Williams claimed that Meta, formerly Facebook, allowed Chinese authorities access to sensitive user data. She alleged this was part of a plan to build an $18 billion business in China. Meta has denied all accusations, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading. The company says it does not provide data access to the Chinese government and no longer operates its services in China.
Allegations of Data Access and Security Risks
Sarah Wynn-Williams, once head of global public policy at Meta, shared serious concerns during her Senate testimony. She claimed Meta approved access to user data — including data from U.S. citizens — to meet the demands of the Chinese Communist Party.
According to Wynn-Williams, the company’s goal was to grow its business in China, even if it meant compromising U.S. data security. “Meta sought to build an $18 billion enterprise in China,” she stated.
Meta rejected the accusations. Spokesperson Ryan Daniels said the company never gave such access to Chinese authorities and has since pulled out of the Chinese market. Still, Meta reportedly continues to earn major ad revenue from Chinese businesses, despite its platforms being blocked in China.
Claims of Censorship and Political Pressure
Wynn-Williams also alleged that Meta worked closely with Chinese officials to suppress criticism of the government.
One example she gave was the removal of a Facebook account belonging to Guo Wengui, a U.S.-based Chinese dissident. She claimed the decision was made under direct pressure from Beijing.
Meta disagreed. The company said Guo’s account was removed for breaking its Community Standards.
Despite that, Wynn-Williams stood by her claims. She accused Meta’s leadership — including CEO Mark Zuckerberg — of behaving like authoritarian leaders by silencing critics. “This is about values,” she told the Senate, “and Meta chose access and profit over free speech.”
Book Release Blocked and Testimony Challenged
In March, Wynn-Williams published a memoir titled Careless People, in which she detailed her time at Meta. The company quickly acted. It secured a court order to stop her from promoting the book, calling its contents false and harmful.
Meta argued the book should not have been published, claiming it contained defamatory material that could harm the company’s reputation.
At the Senate hearing, Senator Josh Hawley said Meta made multiple efforts to stop her from speaking publicly. He compared her actions to those of other whistleblowers, like Frances Haugen and Arturo Béjar, who also exposed internal issues at Meta.
Hawley criticized Meta’s approach. “Why is Meta so determined to silence her?” he asked.
Financial Threats and Mental Toll
Senator Hawley also revealed that Meta threatened Wynn-Williams with severe financial penalties. He said she was warned she could face fines of $50,000 for each time she publicly mentioned Facebook — even if her comments were true.
Hawley called the threats an “attempt to ruin her financially.” Meta responded that the penalty was tied to a separation agreement signed in 2017. They explained that an arbitrator ruled that exceptions to the agreement would weaken its legal foundation.
Despite the pressure, Meta confirmed Wynn-Williams had the legal right to testify before Congress.
Wynn-Williams shared that these events had taken a heavy emotional toll. She said the past few weeks had been intense and emotionally exhausting. “It has been incredibly hard,” she told the committee. Still, she said she felt a strong moral duty to come forward and speak out.
A Growing Pattern of Whistleblower Revelations
The testimony adds to a growing list of concerns raised by former Meta insiders. Whistleblowers in recent years have highlighted issues ranging from child safety to disinformation and foreign influence.
Wynn-Williams’ claims now bring another layer — national security. Her story raises questions about how far big tech firms will go to gain market access in countries with strict government controls.
The U.S. Senate is expected to continue its investigation in the coming months.