GoKawiilLeaked WhatsApp messages show Zuckerberg downplayed child safety in favor of metaverse push
Court exhibits from lawsuits against Meta reveal that in 2021, while publicly defending Facebook against whistleblower claims of harming children, Mark Zuckerberg privately told a contact on WhatsApp that child safety was not his 'personal main focus.' He said he was more focused on building the metaverse, and weeks later announced Facebook's rebrand to Meta.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The private messages contradict Zuckerberg's public rhetoric about caring deeply about young users' wellbeing, undercutting Meta's messaging during a period of intense scrutiny over its impact on teens. The disclosures add to mounting legal and regulatory pressure on Meta as lawsuits allege the company knowingly prioritized growth and new ventures over child safety.
- Leaked WhatsApp exchanges show a gap between Zuckerberg's public and private statements on child safety.
- The messages coincided with Facebook's 2021 rebrand to Meta, emphasizing the metaverse over safety concerns.
- The exhibits are part of ongoing lawsuits accusing Meta of harming young users despite public reassurances.
Source: theverge.com — Mia Sato, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “Can you forget how you feel about Meta?”
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