Meta, the parent company of Facebook, confirmed to Ploonge that Jeren A. Miles, who was a global community development manager, is no longer employed by the company after a video went viral on Facebook. YouTubewhich was republished in reddit and other sitesfeaturing him in a police operation conducted by amateurs with the intention of catching pedophiles.
The two-hour video, posted by an amateur group called PCI Predator Catchers Indianapolis on their YouTube page, does not show Miles caught in any sexual act, nor admitting to any specific sexual act, nor admitting an intention to perform any sexual act. And it’s unclear what the legal ramifications of this, if any, will be.
But it features two people questioning Miles, who over the course of interrogation admits to having graphic and inappropriate communications with a 13-year-old boy. It’s a pretty blunt exchange that Miles later deleted his social profiles on sites like the Facebook and twitterand – if he was fired or resigned voluntarily – Miles left his Facebook post over the matter.
“The seriousness of these allegations cannot be overstated. The individual is no longer employed by the company. We are actively investigating this situation and are unable to provide further comment at this time,” said a statement from a Meta spokesperson provided to us by Drew Pusateri. I point out that Pusateri also tried to convince me of the journalistic character of this story over the phone before sending the statement, noting that other media outlets were not covering it (thanks for the advice).
The Meta appears to have been hit by waves and waves of controversy over the years, ranging from stories related to data protection and privacy, problematic product runs, and falling engagement numbers. Even underage sex scandals are nothing new at this point. You could argue that this is an integral part of being as big and exposed as it is, though none of this adds up to any good. Coincidentally, the company has been trying to update its public relations offense, starting with the appointment of former UK politician Nick Clegg as its chairman of global affairs. They will have their work cut out for them.