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 and programmer best known as the co-founder, chairman, CEO, and controlling shareholder of Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook. He launched Facebook in 2004, which has become one of the world's largest social media platforms. Zuckerberg has been a major figure in the development of social media and the internet, and a significant (and sometimes controversial) influence on global communication and information sharing. He is also involved in various philanthropic efforts through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

Sections (7)

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

2004: Winklevoss Lawsuit Filed

In 2004, Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra filed a lawsuit against Mark Zuckerberg, accusing him of using their idea for HarvardConnection.com to create Facebook.

2005: Saverin Files Lawsuit Against Zuckerberg and Facebook

In 2005, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin filed a lawsuit against Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, alleging that Zuckerberg illegally spent Saverin's money on personal expenses. The lawsuit was later settled out of court.

March 28, 2007: Dismissal of Winklevoss Lawsuit

On March 28, 2007, the lawsuit filed by Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra against Mark Zuckerberg was initially dismissed on a technicality.

November 2007: Court Documents Posted on 02138 Website

In November 2007, court documents containing Mark Zuckerberg's personal information were posted on the website of 02138, a magazine for Harvard alumni, despite Facebook's attempts to have them removed.

June 25, 2008: Settlement in Winklevoss Lawsuit

On June 25, 2008, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook settled the lawsuit with the Winklevoss brothers and Divya Narendra, agreeing to transfer over 1.2 million common shares and pay $20 million in cash.

May 19, 2010: Facebook Temporarily Blocked in Pakistan

On May 19, 2010, Facebook's website was temporarily blocked in Pakistan due to a "Draw Muhammad" contest. It was unblocked after the contest was removed.

June 2010: Criminal Investigation Launched Against Zuckerberg in Pakistan

In June 2010, Pakistani Deputy Attorney General Muhammad Azhar Sidiqque launched a criminal investigation into Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook co-founders due to a "Draw Muhammad" contest hosted on Facebook.

April 11, 2013: Zuckerberg launches lobbying group FWD.us

On April 11, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg launched FWD.us, a 501(c)(4) lobbying group focused on immigration reform, improving education, and enabling technological advancements. However, it faced criticism for funding ads supporting oil and gas development initiatives.

August 19, 2013: Zuckerberg's Facebook Profile Hacked

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

February 2016: Internet.org Shut Down in India

In February 2016, Internet.org was shut down in India due to opposition regarding net neutrality.

February 24, 2016: Zuckerberg rebukes employees for overwriting "Black Lives Matter" phrases

On February 24, 2016, Mark Zuckerberg sent an internal memo to Facebook employees, condemning the overwriting of "Black Lives Matter" phrases with "All Lives Matter" on company walls. He deemed this practice disrespectful and "malicious", emphasizing the importance of the "Black Lives Matter" message.

August 2024: Zuckerberg regrets censoring COVID-19 content and shifts political views

In an August 2024 letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret for not resisting pressure from the Biden administration to censor COVID-19 related content. He also indicated he would no longer donate to election infrastructure, and his political views were described as leaning towards libertarianism or classical liberalism.

September 2024: Trump threatens Zuckerberg with imprisonment

In September 2024, Donald Trump's book "Save America" contained a threat directed at Mark Zuckerberg, suggesting imprisonment if he engaged in illegal activities related to the 2024 Presidential Election.

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March 2025: Zuckerberg mentions relationship with the Trump administration while seeking settlement in FTC v. Meta

In March 2025, Mark Zuckerberg referenced his relationship with the Trump administration while seeking a favorable settlement in FTC v. Meta, an antitrust case where the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was asking for $30 billion.

November 2025: WIRED investigates complaints about school on Zuckerberg property

In November 2025, WIRED published an investigation detailing complaints from neighbors regarding a school operating on the Zuckerberg property without proper permits.