Meta’s legal team barred former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn‑Williams from speaking at the Hay Festival, forcing her to sit silently while Carole Cadwalladr and Tim Wu discussed her memoir. The event spotlighted Meta’s use of court orders to curb dissent.

Wynn‑Williams, author of Careless People, faces an emergency order that fines her $50,000 for each public breach. Meta argues her festival appearance violated the arbitration clause, labeling panelists as “known critics” and demanding sanctions.

The stunt drew a standing ovation from the audience, underscoring the tension between corporate power and free speech. Critics label the move “trolling‑like” and see it as a warning to other insiders.

Meta’s action illustrates how large tech firms leverage legal tools to silence opposition, raising concerns about the balance between corporate governance and public discourse.