Sen. Josh Hawley is considering a criminal referral against Mark Zuckerberg after a former Meta executive testified that Facebook allowed China access to Americans’ user data. The explosive claims suggest Zuckerberg prioritized profits over U.S. national security.
Key Facts:
- Whistleblower Testimony: Sarah Wynn-Williams, a former Facebook executive, testified Zuckerberg pursued Chinese approval for an $18 billion business deal.
- Data Access Allegation: She stated Meta gave China access to American user data connected to interactions with Chinese citizens.
- Hawley’s Reaction: Sen. Josh Hawley said Zuckerberg’s actions could warrant a DOJ criminal referral and accused Meta of putting profits over national security.
- Democrat Agreement: Sen. Richard Blumenthal also criticized Zuckerberg, calling the alleged actions a threat to U.S. national security.
- Meta’s Denial: A company spokesperson rejected the testimony, calling it “divorced from reality.”
The Rest of the Story: Zuckerberg’s China Ties Spark Firestorm
Sarah Wynn-Williams, who worked at Facebook from 2011 to 2017, told a Senate subcommittee that Mark Zuckerberg actively sought to strengthen ties with China to gain market access.
This included sharing artificial intelligence insights and granting access to data linked to U.S. users who communicated with Chinese nationals.
Her testimony claimed Facebook leadership prioritized building an $18 billion business in China, even if it meant storing data where the Chinese Communist Party could access it.
She pointed to internal meetings and briefings with CCP officials as evidence of Meta’s intent.
And here you have it, straight from a former Facebook employee . . .
Meta was willing to store data in China & give the Chinese government access to it
To hell with Americans' user data and personal information
It's always been profit & power for Meta pic.twitter.com/zgd4f3LQ7a
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) April 9, 2025
Sen. Hawley expressed outrage, sharing the clip online and stating Meta was willing to “give the Chinese government access” to American data.
He accused Zuckerberg of misleading Congress in past testimony and warned that this could be just the beginning of a deeper investigation into Meta’s foreign entanglements.
After yesterday’s shocking revelations, it’s time for Mark Zuckerberg to come to Capitol Hill, take an oath, and answer to America for how he has sold out our country’s security for China profits pic.twitter.com/AWUib4bI9s
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) April 10, 2025
Commentary: Zuckerberg’s Actions Demand DOJ Scrutiny
If true, these revelations should be a wake-up call for lawmakers and the public alike.
American user data in the hands of a hostile foreign power like China is not just bad business—it’s a national security threat.
Zuckerberg’s attempts to win favor with Beijing reveal a troubling disregard for the safety and privacy of American citizens.
It’s important to remember that Zuckerberg didn’t just attend a few business dinners.
According to Wynn-Williams, Meta went so far as to brief Chinese officials on AI and consider storing U.S. data inside China.
That crosses a dangerous line.
Any company willing to give foreign adversaries access to sensitive data has no business operating unchecked in the American tech space.
Zuckerberg may be smiling for photos with Donald Trump now and donating to his inauguration, but we should not mistake that for loyalty.
His loyalties seem to lie with whoever offers the best deal for Meta’s bottom line—not the American people.
Zuckerberg's disregard for the security & privacy of American citizens has left us exposed to China’s surveillance efforts. The safety of Americans & our national security should not rely on Zuckerberg's “redline." He has none. pic.twitter.com/zYSgHeobKQ
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) April 11, 2025
This is also about accountability.
Congress must not allow Big Tech executives to hide behind PR statements while compromising national security.
Hawley is right to consider a criminal referral.
The DOJ needs to examine whether Zuckerberg’s dealings violated U.S. law or endangered American interests.
The public deserves answers under oath.
Zuckerberg should be compelled to testify—not behind closed doors, but in front of the American people.
Anything less is an insult to every citizen whose data may have been compromised.
The Bottom Line: Zuckerberg China Scandal Raises Legal Questions
Mark Zuckerberg’s reported willingness to grant China access to American user data has triggered serious national security concerns.
With whistleblower testimony painting a damning picture, lawmakers like Josh Hawley are considering a DOJ referral.
If proven true, Meta’s actions show how far Big Tech will go for profits—even if it means handing over Americans’ information to a foreign adversary.
The stakes couldn’t be higher.
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