Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite Inc., has reaffirmed the validity of the company’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating it will continue as long as ICE adheres to the agreed terms of service. Speaking during an all-hands call, Novoselsky emphasized the company’s commitment to working with any customer that follows the appropriate usage guidelines for its software.
Hootsuite’s Engagement with ICE
Hootsuite, based in Vancouver, provides social media management tools, including sentiment analysis features. Novoselsky clarified that ICE is part of its public affairs group, and their services help manage social media for the agency. She underscored that Hootsuite has previously terminated relationships with clients for violating its terms.
History of Contracts with ICE
In September, Hootsuite initiated a $95,000 pilot project with ICE. This development followed a previous cancellation of a contract in September 2020 amidst employee backlash regarding the partnership. At the time, then-CEO Tom Keiser cited concerns that the contract had created divisions within the company.
Current Leadership’s Approach
Since becoming CEO in January 2023, Novoselsky has adopted a different stance, acknowledging the complex nature of working with various organizations, including those that may be polarizing. She communicated to her team that as long as contractual terms are respected, Hootsuite will maintain its professional relationships.
Employee Concerns and Corporate Response
During the internal meeting, concerns were raised regarding potential negative perceptions of Hootsuite’s association with ICE. In response to inquiries about how to handle customer feedback and media inquiries, Novoselsky suggested that public engagement might not be beneficial and could provoke further media cycles. Instead, she focused on maintaining transparency within the company.
- Hootsuite’s software is not intended for surveillance or tracking individuals.
- The company strives to prevent violations of its terms of service.
- Plans are underway to monitor online discussions related to ICE enforcement actions.
Novoselsky acknowledged the difficult dynamics surrounding the company’s contract with ICE, particularly within its large team in Mexico, where members have firsthand experiences with the agency. She has expressed a desire to foster discussions with this team to better address their concerns.
Media Coverage and Company Transparency
In the wake of media reports about the ICE contract, Novoselsky described aspects of the coverage as “fake news,” calling out factual inaccuracies. She aimed to clarify that while employees discussed potential geolocation features during a conference call, Hootsuite’s intentions do not include tracking individuals.
As the company navigates its relations with ICE amidst employee concerns, Novoselsky reiterated Hootsuite’s commitment to ethical business practices and compliance with its terms of service.
