Q&A: Cat Lee, Facebook platform manager
We discuss Facebook apps and their possible use in the business world, as well as how constant innovation sometimes clashes with what users want.

Any site that wants to grow its user base outside of its own locale. Normally travel websites, but also anything culturally related- restaurants perhaps. Businesses that can benefit from having an audience in different countries.
Some observers have felt that Facebook is getting more Twitter-like' with real-time streaming. Although Facebook claims that this is the way the web is going, some users weren't and are still not particularly happy with it.
Facebook didn't really give users a choice with this change. Why was this?
I think it was mainly because of simplicity and scale. In terms of our company values we are constantly innovating and do what we believe is in the best interest of our users. But I also think as a company we have to continue to scale, and obviously supporting two experiences is very, very difficult for us to do.
With the platform and Connect we want to give users the experiences that are best for them. We want to allow users to create the tools to create unique experiences.
We constantly innovate and try new things. We are constantly trying to balance what users want, what developers want, what advertisers want, in a way that we think is beneficial for most users.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
-
M&S suspends online sales as 'cyber incident' continues
News Marks & Spencer (M&S) has informed customers that all online and app sales have been suspended as the high street retailer battles a ‘cyber incident’.
By Ross Kelly
-
Manners cost nothing, unless you’re using ChatGPT
Opinion Polite users are costing OpenAI millions of dollars each year – but Ps and Qs are a small dent in what ChatGPT could cost the planet
By Ross Kelly
-
Meta to pay $725 million in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit settlement
News The settlement closes the long-running lawsuit into how Facebook's owner, Meta, handled the Cambridge Analytica scandal
By Ross Kelly
-
Meta's earnings are 'cause for concern' and 2023 looks even bleaker
Analysis Calls for investor faith in metaverse tech only emphasise the worries that its investment strategy won't pay off
By Rory Bathgate
-
Microsoft and Meta announce integration deal between Teams and Workplace
News Features from both business collaboration platforms will be available to users without having to switch apps
By Connor Jones
-
Facebook is shutting down its controversial facial recognition system
News The move will see more than a billion facial templates removed from Facebook's records amid a push for more private applications of the technology
By Connor Jones
-
'Changing name to Meat': Industry reacts to Facebook's Meta rebrand
News The rebrand attempts to provide a clearer distinction between Facebook and its umbrella company
By Connor Jones
-
Facebook's Oversight Board demands more transparency
News Board bashed the social media giant for its preferential treatment of certain high-profile accounts
By Danny Bradbury
-
Facebook claims AI managed to reduce hate speech by 50%
News The social media platform has hit back at claims the tech it uses to fight hate speech is inadequate
By Sabina Weston
-
Facebook to hire 10,000 workers across the EU
News The high-skilled jobs drive is a “vote of confidence” in the European tech industry
By Jane McCallion