Mark Zuckerberg’s early communication following Facebook’s launch has been disclosed. The social media giant, now under Meta’s umbrella, boasts an impressive 3.07 billion active users, outstripping platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
It’s hard to imagine, but Facebook wasn’t always the powerhouse it is today. Zuckerberg, along with four Harvard peers, launched the platform in 2004, and it quickly gained traction.
In February of that year, Zuckerberg spoke with the Harvard Crimson, addressing privacy concerns tied to the personal data users were required to share. He assured, “There are pretty intensive privacy options. People have very good control over who can see their information.”
Mark Zuckerberg and his platforms cannot be trusted — not just because he openly admitted to censorship, but also due to his handling of user data and privacy.
Here’s his chat from the early days of Facebook: pic.twitter.com/nRCUEmAqUh
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) August 27, 2024
In Facebook’s initial weeks online, Zuckerberg engaged in a conversation with a friend that highlighted the prevailing concerns about user trust and identity. This exchange, later leaked by Silicon Valley Insider, reveals the mindset at the time:
Zuckerberg: yea so if you ever need info about anyone at harvard
Zuckerberg: just ask
Zuckerberg: i have over 4000 emails, pictures, addresses, sns
Friend: what!? how’d you manage that one?
Zuckerberg: people just submitted it
Zuckerberg: i don’t know why
Zuckerberg: they ‘trust me’
Zuckerberg: dumb f***s
Jim Breyer, a Facebook board member from 2005 to 2013, commented on the impact of the leaked messages. He told The New Yorker that his faith in Zuckerberg as CEO remained unshaken, describing him as a “brilliant individual” who, like everyone, has made mistakes.
Zuckerberg expressed regret over the leak, acknowledging to the publication that he “absolutely” regretted sending those messages. He stated, “If you’re going to go on to build a service that is influential and that a lot of people rely on, then you need to be mature, right? I think I’ve grown and learned a lot.” Meta has been contacted for comment.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News provides a detailed timeline of Facebook’s numerous privacy issues, highlighting regulatory actions, user outrage, and the company’s responses to data breaches and misuse, emphasizing its repeated handling of sensitive user information.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What was Facebook’s user base when it first launched?
Facebook quickly gained traction, starting with Harvard students.
How did Mark Zuckerberg address privacy concerns in 2004?
He assured users had control over who could see their information.
What did Zuckerberg’s leaked conversation reveal?
It showed concerns about user trust and how easily data was shared.
What was Jim Breyer’s reaction to the leaked messages?
He still had faith in Zuckerberg, calling him a ‘brilliant individual.’
How did Zuckerberg reflect on his past leaked messages?
He regretted sending them and emphasized maturity for building influential services.
