Facebook has said that has hired a high-ranking US State Department lawyer credited with helping craft the controversial Patriot Act as the social network's new general counsel.
Jennifer Newstead will replace Colin Stretch, who announced in July that he planned to leave Facebook.
Newstead will oversee global legal functions at the California-based social network as it faces continued pressure from regulators regarding how well it safeguards user privacy and protects against the spread of misinformation or abuse on its platform.
"Jennifer is a seasoned leader whose global perspective and experience will help us fulfill our mission," Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said in a statement on Monday.
"We are also truly grateful to Colin for his dedicated leadership and wise counsel over the past nine years."
"I thank her for her outstanding service, and wish her all the best in the next phase of her career."
"I am looking forward to working with the team and outside experts and regulators on a range of legal issues as we seek to uphold our responsibilities and shared values."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content