Facebook’s new chief lawyer helped write the Patriot Act

▤ Summary

Facebook announced Jennifer Newstead will become its general counsel, succeeding Colin Stretch. Newstead previously served in the Justice Department and reportedly helped craft the Patriot Act, prompting concerns about her record on surveillance and national security letters. Her position will place her at the center of decisions on government data requests and legal compliance, affecting user privacy and Facebook’s handling of law enforcement demands. She will work closely with Facebook’s head of global policy, Joel Kaplan.

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