Facebook Spends $20 Million on Zuckerberg's Personal Security in 2018
Facebook pays over $20 million for Mark Zuckerberg's personal security in 2018, nearly tripling the previous year's costs amid heightened public scrutiny. Sheryl Sandberg also receives millions for her own protection detail.
Facebook spends nearly $20 million on Mark Zuckerberg’s personal security in 2018, a figure that nearly triples the costs from the previous year. This massive security expense comes during a turbulent period for the social media giant, as the company faces intense public anger following the Cambridge Analytica scandal and broader privacy concerns.
Despite taking a one-dollar annual salary and no bonus, Zuckerberg earns more than $22 million in "other compensation" for the year. The bulk of this amount covers pre-tax security allowances for his personal travel, residential protection, and additional safety costs for his family, with another $2.6 million funding his use of a private jet.
The company's SEC filing states that this "overall security program" is necessary due to specific threats that arise directly from Zuckerberg's role as founder, CEO, and controlling stockholder. Facebook extends similar benefits to Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, whose "other compensation" totals $3.8 million, with $2.9 million of that dedicated to her own personal security costs.