Evan ThomasWhen you run what is arguably the most powerful, wide-ranging social network on the planet, who do you call to complain? Maybe the President of the United States?
Mark Zuckerberg recently called President Barack Obama to explain he was worried about the damage the government was doing to the Internet and public trust with its continued surveillance efforts. (Via Mobile World Live)
In a post on his Facebook profile, Zuckerberg lamented "The US government should be the champion for the internet, not a threat. They need to be much more transparent about what they're doing, or otherwise people will believe the worst."
The Guardian calls the move admirable, if more than a little hypocritical.
"The social network is collecting vast amounts of data on its users and their online activities both inside its walled garden and, when they don't log out, via the nearly ubiquitous 'Like' button."
Of course, Facebook's objections to the government's actions are more personal as of late.
A recent report in The Intercept alleges the NSA has disguised its own computer systems as Facebook servers to more efficiently distribute surveillance malware.
For its part, the NSA has denied any such impersonation. In a brief statement Thursday, the organization reiterated it works "only to support lawful and appropriate foreign intelligence operations."
And when Zuck calls the White House, apparently people pick up. It's implied the president did talk with Zuckerberg, according to National Security Council spokespeople who talked to Politico.
But the Facebook founder indicated the call wasn't immediately fruitful. Maybe he should tag Obama in that post?
