Facebook demands journalists sign non-disclosure agreement before press conference

Here's an irony: you're one of the world's biggest new media companies with a slight PR problem around the issue of other people's privacy, and you invite a bunch of a journalists to a press conference at your offices. What's the stupidest thing you can do?

KPLU News in Seattle reports:

After announcing that Facebook and the State Attorney General’s office would announce a “joint legal strategy" this morning, the AG’s office followed up with an email requiring journos sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Dan Sytman, the AG’s Deputy Communications Director, wrote in an email sent out to news agencies at 8:10 a.m.:

“Facebook asked me to pass this on to you. They require it of all visitors to their facilities. It only applies to things that you might accidentally stumble upon while you are there and covers nothing discussed during our news conference. Please either bring a signed copy or be ready to sign upon arrival.”

We've all been subject to ridiculous requests from PRs, of course - but somehow this seemed a request too far. Eventually, two hours later, the penny dropped and the request was withdrawn.

Sadly, KPLU News says, it seems the incriminating plans for world domination were smuggled out of sight in the meantime.

We didn't see anything. Our reporter said they let her and the others in the front door and the press conference was directly on their right. Other than that, nothing to see, she said. No diagrams outlining Facebook's future growth plans, no employees ... just the officials.