Whistleblowers contribute to our freedom

4/5/26

Reading this editorial about the publication of Careless People reminds me in no small way of the plot of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. The difference, and it is as worrying as it as stark, is that in Larson’s book the danger is from a state actor not a corporation. It may feel like hyperbole for Mike Harpley to state that “[c]ompanies like Meta are wealthier than some countries and more powerful too.” However it is increasingly apparent that governments are unwilling to push back and individuals often feel they have no choice but to use these corporate controlled platforms or lose contact with their local communities and social groups.

These companies are often highly litigious, using their power and influence to silence their detractors. They behave like playground bullies refusing to take responsibility for their actions and “running to the teacher” when their target fights back. And, like a bully who behaves impeccably in front of those who have power over them, they frequently succeed in pushing the blame onto the other party. As a result

Careless People was brought to publication in an aura of secrecy and (it turns out justified) paranoia. […] A very small team worked on the book. We communicated on encrypted channels and whenever it was discussed, those not involved had to leave the room.

This caution resulted in the book being published despite the author being silenced via a “non-disparagement clause in her severance agreement with Facebook”, without it it may never have seen the light of day.

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