Meta bars former Facebook exec from Hay Festival panel

A former senior Facebook executive was prevented from speaking at a major literary festival last weekend due to a legal order obtained by her former employer, Meta. Sarah WynnWilliams, author of the memoir "Careless People," sat in silence during a panel discussion at the Hay Festival in Wales, unable to speak, nod, or shake her head on the advice of her lawyers.

The panel, titled "The Power of Tech," proceeded as a conversation between investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr and Columbia University professor Tim Wu. Cadwalladr introduced WynnWilliams as "an author in a hostage situation." At the conclusion of the event, WynnWilliams received a standing ovation from the audience and was visibly moved to tears.

The restrictions stem from an emergency arbitration order Meta secured around the time the book was published in March 2025. The company alleges WynnWilliams violated a non-disparagement agreement she signed upon her departure in 2017. She faces a potential fine of $50,000 for each breach of the order. To comply, festival organizers removed copies of "Careless People" from sale during the event.

In a statement, Meta said the order was a binding arbitration award that...