Facebook whistleblower sits atop publicity juggernaut

The internal reports captured by Haugen's smartphone camera and handed to journalists have already resulted in a deluge of damning stories with the common argument that Facebook executives knew the platform could hurt teens, ethnic minorities, or democracy but were more concerned about profits. — AP

WASHINGTON: Ex-Facebook worker Frances Haugen strode on stage to roaring applause in Portugal, the latest step in a trajectory that has diverged sharply from that of other high-profile whistleblowers who wound up in exile or ruin.

Haugen's leak of company records has benefited from well-oiled communications machinery, powerful backers and a lucky crypto currency bet – even if it's far from certain whether she will induce her stated goal: to reform Facebook.