Sarah Wynn-Williams wins whistleblowing prize
Wynn-Williams has been named the winner of the Blueprint Asia-Pacific Whistleblowing Prize 2025.
This prestigious award recognizes her extraordinary courage in making public interest disclosures regarding her former employer, Meta, and the publication of her memoir, Careless People. The Blueprint Whistleblowing Prizes honour individuals who play a crucial role in exposing serious wrongdoing in well-known multinational corporations, in public office and in the armed forces.
Wynn-Williams was selected for her disclosures concerning Meta’s attitude towards authoritarian governments and the significant personal cost she has endured to bring these issues to light.
Since the publication of her book in March 2025, Wynn-Williams has faced intense legal pressure. The memoir’s author is not allowed to promote the book after Meta filed a lawsuit against her in arbitration, claiming she violated a non-disparagement agreement signed upon her departure.
Ravi Naik, her lawyer commented:
'Ms. Wynn-Williams deserves the highest praise for her extraordinary courage in exposing the truth. This award stands as a testament to that bravery. I am incredibly proud to act for her but she should be speaking to you about the award.
‘For an organisation that claims to champion free speech, [Meta's] actions against Ms. Wynn-Williams starkly betray the reality of its moral stance.’
My client wishes she could say more, but the company she blew the whistle on has invoked arbitration proceedings to impose a sweeping, indefinite speech embargo. Such a prohibition is draconian and without precedent. For an organization that claims to champion free speech, its actions against Ms. Wynn-Williams starkly betray the reality of its moral stance.
We continue to hope that they will see reason and end their repressive legal action.'
Mike Harpley, Publisher of Pan Non-fiction and Wynn-Williams’ editor, reflected:
'Careless People is a vitally important book that shines a light on one of the most powerful companies in the world. Its publication was defined by a confrontation. Meta attempted to block Sarah's memoir using a sweeping non-disparagement agreement. They are claiming that this bans her from saying anything critical about the company forever or promoting her book – forever.
‘At a time when power is becoming ever more concentrated, the role of whistleblowers like Sarah is essential for democracy and free speech.’
At a time when power is becoming ever more concentrated, the role of whistleblowers like Sarah is essential for democracy and free speech. This is precisely what makes this prize so important. Sarah's courage is entirely unique and we are so proud to have published her story.'
Careless People also recently won the Best Non-Fiction Memoir category at the inaugural British Audio Awards on 24 November.
Blueprint’s Whistleblowing Prizes for 2025 recognize bravery across other continents too. Other winners of awards this year include Nnamdi Emeh, Tumiso Mphuthi and Pamela Mabini from Africa, alongside Virginia Laparra and Julio Rogelio Viteri Ungaretti from Latin America.
The awards are administered by NGO Blueprint for Free Speech, and judged by British journalist and film-maker, Jane Corbin; Australian barrister, James D Catlin; and academic, Dr Suelette Dreyfus.
Dr Suelette Dreyfus, Executive Director of Blueprint for Free Speech and one of the judges, said:
'Whistleblowers face extraordinary risks – imprisonment, exile, even Assassination – for daring to speak truth to power. This year’s Prize recipients span Africa, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. Together they remind us that the courage to expose corruption is not just an act of personal integrity, but a public service that strengthens democracy.
‘The courage to expose corruption is not just an act of personal integrity, but a public service that strengthens democracy.’
Their stories show how whistleblowing can challenge entrenched impunity and inspire systemic reform, even in the face of relentless retaliation. At Blueprint, we honour their bravery and reaffirm our commitment to protecting those who defend the public interest.'
Read more about the awards on the Blueprint website.
Careless People
by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Welcome to Facebook. From wild schemes cooked up on private jets to risking prison abroad, Careless People exposes both the personal and political fallout when boundless power and a rotten culture take hold. In a gripping and often absurd narrative, former Director of Global Public Policy Sarah Wynn-Williams rubs shoulders with Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg and world leaders, revealing what really goes on among the global elite – and the consequences this has for all of us. Careless People gives you a front-row seat to the decisions that are shaping our world and the people who make them.
