 "‘Total chaos’ at Meta as employees protest Zuckerberg & platforms' changed Anti-LGBTQ+ stance")
Meta is facing internal backlash after announcing controversial content moderation changes that many employees say undermine LGBTQ+ rights. The updated policy permits users to describe LGBTQ+ individuals as having “mental illness,” a move that has left employees shocked and upset. This shift comes as part of a broader push by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to prioritise “free expression” over restrictive moderation practices.
Employees have voiced their frustration on Meta’s internal platform, Workplace, with posts expressing anger, disappointment, and even resignation. Many LGBTQ+ employees have taken time off to focus on their mental health, while others are openly considering leaving the company. The new policy has sparked outrage across the organisation, with workers calling it a betrayal of Meta’s stated values.
Controversial policy sparks chaos
The changes were introduced under the guise of reducing “mission creep” in content moderation. Meta’s leadership claims the new approach aims to open up conversations on divisive topics. However, many employees believe this move disproportionately harms the LGBTQ+ community and fosters hate speech.
Internal threads show widespread dissent, with employees questioning the policy’s alignment with scientific consensus and Meta’s supposed values. Some staff demanded transparency, asking how the decision was made and whether any LGBTQ+ groups were consulted. Many noted the lack of internal discussions or documented rationale for a decision with such significant implications.
Screenshots from internal threads reveal anger and disbelief, with some employees calling the situation “total chaos.” One worker described morale among queer employees as being at an all-time low, while another expressed embarrassment over what they saw as self-inflicted damage to Meta’s reputation.
Historical issues with content moderation
This isn’t Meta’s first content moderation controversy. Over the years, the company has faced criticism for its inconsistent enforcement of policies and inadequate safeguards for marginalised groups. Experts argue that Meta has been scaling back moderation efforts, leaving its platforms increasingly vulnerable to hate speech and harmful content.
In 2024, reports revealed that Meta had gutted many of its content moderation teams, leading critics to question whether the company had abandoned its responsibility to maintain safe online spaces. Observers see Monday’s policy changes as part of a broader trend in which tech companies test the limits of minimal moderation, often to the detriment of vulnerable users.
Allegations of political motives
Some employees and analysts suspect the policy shift is politically motivated. Critics argue that Zuckerberg is attempting to appeal to right-leaning audiences, particularly ahead of the 2024 US elections. They point to Meta’s inconsistent enforcement of rules and allegations of bias as evidence of a calculated strategy to court favour with conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump.
Zuckerberg’s public statements have done little to ease tensions. On Threads, he dismissed criticism as virtue signalling, suggesting that the majority of users would appreciate the changes. However, employees and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the policy normalises harmful rhetoric and undermines the safety of Meta’s platforms.
As internal dissent grows, Meta’s reputation as a champion of inclusivity is increasingly under scrutiny. Whether the company addresses these concerns or doubles down on its new approach remains to be seen, but for many employees, the damage may already be irreparable.
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