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 in 2004, revolutionizing social networking and connecting billions globally. Zuckerberg has led Meta through significant acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp, expanding its reach and influence. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, focusing on health, education, and scientific research. Despite facing scrutiny regarding data privacy and the impact of social media, Zuckerberg remains a prominent figure in the technology industry.

Sections (7)

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

April 28, 2003: Contract Signed with Paul Ceglia

On April 28, 2003, Paul Ceglia claimed that he and Zuckerberg signed a contract in which an initial fee of $1,000 entitled Ceglia to 50% of the website's revenue, as well as an additional 1% interest in the business per day after January 1, 2004, until website completion.

2004: Winklevoss Lawsuit Filed

In 2004, Harvard students Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, and Divya Narendra accused Mark Zuckerberg of intentionally making them believe he would help them build a social network called HarvardConnection.com (later called ConnectU). They filed a lawsuit.

2005: Eduardo Saverin Sues Zuckerberg

In 2005, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin sued Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, alleging that Zuckerberg illegally spent Saverin's money on personal expenses. The lawsuit was settled out of court; Saverin's co-founder title was affirmed, and Saverin agreed to stop talking to the press.

March 28, 2007: Winklevoss Lawsuit Dismissed

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

November 2007: Confidential Documents Posted Online

In November 2007, confidential court documents, including Zuckerberg's Social Security number and home address, were posted on the website of 02138 magazine.

June 25, 2008: Settlement in Winklevoss Lawsuit

On June 25, 2008, the case with the Winklevoss brothers settled, and Facebook agreed 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 until Facebook removed a "Draw Muhammad" contest from its website.

June 2010: Criminal Investigation Launched Against Zuckerberg

In June 2010, Pakistani Deputy Attorney General Muhammad Azhar Sidiqque launched a criminal investigation into Zuckerberg and Facebook co-founders Dustin Moskovitz and Chris Hughes after a "Draw Muhammad" contest was hosted on Facebook. Sidiqque requested that Interpol arrest Zuckerberg and the others for blasphemy.

June 2010: Paul Ceglia Files Lawsuit Against Zuckerberg

In June 2010, Paul Ceglia filed suit against Zuckerberg, claiming 84 percent ownership of Facebook and seeking monetary damages. Facebook dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous.

October 26, 2012: Paul Ceglia Arrested for Fraud

On October 26, 2012, federal authorities arrested Paul Ceglia, charging him with mail and wire fraud and of "tampering with, destroying and fabricating evidence in a scheme to defraud the Facebook founder of billions of dollars".

April 11, 2013: Launch of FWD.us Lobbying Group

On April 11, 2013, Zuckerberg initiated the FWD.us lobbying group, aimed at immigration reform and improving education but also criticized for supporting oil and gas development.

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.

September 2013: Zuckerberg's comment on PRISM scandal

In September 2013, Zuckerberg commented on the PRISM scandal at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, stating that the U.S. government "blew it".

February 2016: Internet.org Shut Down in India

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

February 24, 2016: Internal Memo on "Black Lives Matter"

On February 24, 2016, Zuckerberg sent a company-wide memo rebuking employees who overwrote "Black Lives Matter" phrases on company walls, calling the practice "malicious".

January 2017: Criticism of Trump's Executive Order

In January 2017, Zuckerberg criticized Donald Trump's executive order limiting immigration and refugees.

January 2017: Zuckerberg Files Lawsuits Against Native Hawaiians

In January 2017, Zuckerberg filed eight lawsuits against hundreds of native Hawaiians to claim small tracts of land that they owned within his acreage. He later dropped the lawsuits.

2018: Zuckerberg Testifies Before the Senate

In 2018, Mark Zuckerberg testified before the United States Senate Committee regarding the usage of personal data by Facebook in relation to the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal.

October 1, 2020: Subpoenas Issued to Tech CEOs Including Zuckerberg

On October 1, 2020, the US Senate Commerce Committee unanimously voted to issue subpoenas to the CEOs of three top tech firms, including Zuckerberg, to testify about the legal immunity the law affords tech platforms.

2020: State-level ballot initiative funding for tax increase

In 2020, Zuckerberg funded a state-level ballot initiative for the 2020 general election that would raise taxes by altering California's Proposition 13 to require the tax assessment of commercial and industrial properties in the state at market rate.

2020: Condemnation of Hospital Renaming

In 2020, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a measure condemning the renaming of San Francisco General Hospital as The Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, citing concerns about Facebook's role in endangering public health and spreading misinformation.

January 6, 2021: Attack on US Capitol Building Mentioned

On January 6, 2021, the attack on the US Capitol Building was mentioned during Zuckerberg's testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 25, 2021, regarding Facebook's role in the spread of misinformation.

March 25, 2021: Zuckerberg Testifies Before House Committee

On March 25, 2021, Zuckerberg testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee regarding Facebook's role in the spread of misinformation and hate speech on the platform.

January 2024: Zuckerberg Apologizes at Senate Hearing on Child Safety

In January 2024, Zuckerberg, along with other tech CEOs, were questioned at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on child safety and social media platforms. During the hearing, he apologized to the families of children who were victims of online abuse and harm.

August 2024: Letter to House Judiciary Committee

In August 2024, 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.

September 2024: Mention in Trump's Book

In September 2024, Donald Trump mentioned Zuckerberg in his book 'Save America', threatening legal action.

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2024: Purchase of mega-yacht Launchpad

In 2024, Zuckerberg purchased the mega-yacht Launchpad for about $300 million.

March 2025: Attempt to Leverage Relationship with Trump Administration

In March 2025, Zuckerberg attempted to leverage his relationship with the Trump administration for a favorable settlement in an antitrust case with the FTC.

2025: Launchpad fuel consumption and emissions

In 2025, it was reported that Launchpad burned over 528,000 gallons of diesel fuel in nine months, emitting more than 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide, while touring destinations from the South Pacific to Europe before docking in France for servicing.

2025: Operation of Two-Vessel Fleet and Protests in Arctic

In early 2025, it was reported that Zuckerberg's two-vessel fleet, including the Launchpad and Wingman, was operating together in the Arctic, leading to protests over emissions in Longyearbyen.