Last week, Facebook saw a slew of negative press, following the leak of a document of people it deemed “dangerous,” and even its policy to clamp down on leaks getting leaked.
Earlier in the week, the tech giant tried to turn things around, releasing an official report that showed hate speech on its newsfeeds had decreased by 50% over the last three quarters.
However, it seems Facebook just can’t catch a break. According to Input, a new Twitter thread by its Vice-President of Communications ended on a sour note, alleging that journalists were orchestrating a “gotcha campaign” on the company.
John Pinette started off saying that while he knew the press’ job was to hold Facebook “accountable,” he wanted to set the record straight regarding recent reports. He added that leaked documents were construed in a negative light and that “can in no way be used to draw fair conclusions” about the company.
He also revealed that over 30 reporters were working on what he called a “coordinated series of articles” that could soon be released.
Then, in a rather hostile offer, Pinette said the firm would “engage on substance” with journalists who were ready “to move beyond an orchestrated ‘gotcha’ campaign.”
While it does seem Facebook was addressing various articles reporting on leaked documents in the previous weeks, this move may not endear it to journalists across the board. If the company’s counting on goodwill to stop its negative PR spiral, this probably won’t help.
Over the last 6 weeks, including over the weekend, we’ve seen how documents can be mischaracterized. Obviously, not every employee at Facebook is an executive; not every opinion is the company’s position.
— Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) October 18, 2021
A curated selection out of millions of documents at Facebook can in no way be used to draw fair conclusions about us. Internally, we share work in progress and debate options. Not every suggestion stands up to the scrutiny we must apply to decisions affecting so many people.
— Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) October 18, 2021
To those news organizations who would like to move beyond an orchestrated ‘gotcha’ campaign, we are ready to engage on the substance. – John Pinette, VP Communications
— Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) October 18, 2021
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