Meta Platforms is facing internal backlash for removing employee comments critical of the appointment of Dana White, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president, to its board of directors. This internal controversy has highlighted tensions within the company.
The move comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg pushes for reduced content moderation on Meta’s platforms, emphasising “free expression.”
On Monday, 6 January, 2025, Zuckerberg announced three new board members—Dana White, John Elkann, and Charlie Songhurst—via Meta’s internal platform, Workplace, echoing his public statement. While some employees posted light-hearted responses, others raised serious concerns about White’s history. Specific criticisms focused on a widely- circulated video of White slapping his wife in a nightclub. Employees noted that White faced no legal or professional repercussions for the incident.
The criticism also extended to UFC-related controversies. Employees referenced fighter Conor McGregor, who was ordered by a civil court to pay $260,000 in damages for sexual assault, a decision he is appealing. Some staff expressed disappointment with White’s inclusion on the board, questioning Meta’s vetting process and priorities.
Meta’s Internal Community Relations team removed several critical posts, citing its Community Engagement Expectations (CEE) policy. The policy prohibits “insulting, criticising, or antagonising” colleagues or board members to ensure a respectful work environment. This enforcement, however, sparked further outrage. Screenshots revealed employees questioning the deletions, with one questioning why, “ critical comments of this announcement keep getting deleted.” Others accused the company of suppressing dissent and creating a “chilling” atmosphere.
The controversy coincides with Zuckerberg’s announcement of a shift in content-moderation policies on Meta’s platforms. He revealed plans to simplify rules and ease restrictions on contentious topics, including immigration and gender issues, framing the change as a move toward “free expression.” Employees pointed out the contradiction between external policies and internal practices.
Tracy Clayton, Meta spokesperson defended the company’s approach, stating the CEE policy is meant to reduce workplace disruptions. Clayton noted that some critical comments remained visible because they did not violate the policy.
