The Country of Facebook Rebuffs England
March 27, 2018
I read “Facebook’s Zuckerberg Will Not Answer UK Lawmakers’ Questions over Data Scandal.” The main idea of the “real” news story struck me as:
Zuckerberg will instead send his Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer or Chief Product Officer Chris Cox to appear before parliament’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
Several observations:
- The lawmakers in England are likely to interpret the refusal of Facebook’s president as a slap in the face.
- Facebook may face increasing friction from lawmakers and, possibly, from government agents with regard to some of Facebook’s activities in England
- Increased attention from British entities may increase Facebook’s costs in the form of regulatory compliance and tax scrutiny.
England has demonstrated that it can take immediate and direct action in certain matters of state. Facebook’s decision to ignore a request from the country may spark additional actions.
England can arrest, detain, and deport individuals. Planning a jaunt to London to catch a play may evolve into a risky proposition for individuals identified as of particular interest to England.
Serious business in the view of the addled goose.
Stephen E Arnold, March 27, 2018
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