Major Controversies Surrounding Mark Zuckerberg: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Mark Zuckerberg.

Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). He launched Facebook, a social media service, which grew to become a global phenomenon. Zuckerberg's career has been marked by both immense success and controversy, including lawsuits concerning the website's creation and ownership, as well as debates surrounding user privacy and data handling practices. Despite these challenges, he remains a prominent figure in the technology industry and a driving force behind Meta's ventures.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2004: Lawsuit Filed by Winklevoss

In 2004, Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra accused Zuckerberg of intentionally making them believe he would help them build a social network and filed a lawsuit.

March 28, 2007: Lawsuit Dismissed on Technicality

On March 28, 2007, the lawsuit between Zuckerberg and the Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra was dismissed on a technicality.

November 2007: Confidential Court Documents Posted Online

In November 2007, confidential court documents related to Zuckerberg were posted on the website of 02138, a magazine that catered to Harvard alumni, which included sensitive personal information.

June 25, 2008: Settlement of Lawsuit

On June 25, 2008, the lawsuit between Zuckerberg and the Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra was settled, with Facebook agreeing to transfer over 1.2 million common shares and pay $20 million in cash.

April 11, 2013: Zuckerberg Launches Lobbying Group FWD.us

On April 11, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg launched FWD.us, a 501(c)(4) lobbying group. The founders and contributors were primarily Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and investors, with Joe Green as president. The group aimed to address immigration reform, education improvement, and technological breakthroughs. However, it was criticized for financing ads supporting oil and gas development initiatives, leading to protests and boycotts of Facebook ads by liberal and progressive groups.

June 20, 2013: Zuckerberg Engages with Facebook Users on FWD.us Video

On June 20, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg actively engaged with Facebook users on his profile page after the online publication of a FWD.us video. He responded to claims about FWD.us's goals, emphasizing the importance of treating undocumented individuals fairly.

August 19, 2013: Facebook Profile Hacked

On August 19, 2013, The Washington Post reported that Zuckerberg's Facebook profile was hacked by an unemployed web developer.

September 2013: Zuckerberg Comments on PRISM Scandal

In September 2013, at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, Mark Zuckerberg commented on the mid-2013 PRISM scandal, stating that the U.S. government "blew it" in terms of protecting citizens' freedoms, the economy, and companies.

February 2016: Internet.org Shut Down in India

In February 2016, Internet.org was shut down in India after facing significant opposition.

February 24, 2016: Zuckerberg Rebukes Employees for Altering 'Black Lives Matter' Phrases

On February 24, 2016, Mark Zuckerberg sent a company-wide memo to Facebook employees formally rebuking those who crossed out "Black Lives Matter" phrases on company walls and replaced them with "All Lives Matter." Zuckerberg condemned this practice, considering it not only disrespectful but "malicious." He emphasized that "Black Lives Matter doesn't mean other lives don't" and launched investigations into the incidents.

January 2017: Zuckerberg Criticizes Trump's Executive Order

In January 2017, Mark Zuckerberg criticized Donald Trump's executive order that severely limited immigrants and refugees from some countries.

2017: Zuckerberg Calls for Action on Global Warming

In 2017, Mark Zuckerberg called for action to stop global warming in a commencement speech at Harvard University. Seven years later, he purchased the mega-yacht Launchpad (formerly Project 1010) for $300 million. That same year, he put the yacht into operation; it emits 40 tons of carbon dioxide per hour.

August 2024: Zuckerberg Expresses Regret Over COVID-19 Censorship

In August 2024, Mark Zuckerberg stated in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee that he regretted not doing more to resist pressure from the Biden administration to censor content related to COVID-19. He also noted he no longer intends to donate towards election infrastructure.

September 2024: Trump Describes Zuckerberg in 'Save America'

In September 2024, Donald Trump's book 'Save America' featured a description of Zuckerberg's White House visits, along with a warning about potential legal consequences for illegal actions in the 2024 Presidential Election.

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March 2025: Zuckerberg Attempts to Influence FTC Settlement

In March 2025, Mark Zuckerberg attempted to leverage his relationship with the Trump administration to secure a favorable settlement in an antitrust case where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was requesting $30 billion.