Former executive sits silent at book panel over legal order

A former Meta executive sat without speaking while two panelists discussed her memoir at the Hay Festival in Powys on Sunday. The session focused on the book Careless People. Investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr told the audience the executive faced an interim arbitration order that prohibits promotion of the work.

Legal background Cadwalladr read from a letter by the executive's lawyer stating Meta obtained a temporary order preventing promotion or discussion of certain topics. Meta confirmed the order exists and said it reflects terms the executive agreed to while employed. The company added that it is entitled to request compliance with the arbitrator's decision and denied any effort to restrict speech.

Panel comments Columbia University professor Tim Wu described the order as a demonstration of corporate power. Cadwalladr called the situation performative. The executive did not address the audience or answer questions during the event.