Controversy flares as Rice joins Dropbox board

The appointment of ex-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the board of technology firm Dropbox is being criticised by some service users. Protests on social media say she is a controversial figure after revelations of widespread wiretapping on US citizens during her time in office. A petition has been launched inviting supporters to boycott the firm. However some analysts claim the bigger concerns for the file-sharing company are competing services. Following the launch of Mailbox for Android and the wider implementation of Dropbox for Business, the company also announced the addition of Condoleezza Rice as a new board member.  Rice, who served as former President George W Bush’s Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009 and National Security Adviser 2001 – 2005, was appointed by the company to expand its global footprint, according to its official blog. However, this has been condemned by some Dropbox users who have launched a campaign. Voicing concerns on social media, some have said it is inappropriate for the file-sharing company to hire Rice, accusing her of being involved in widespread wiretapping during her time in office. Those pressing Dropbox to revoke Ms Rice’s appointment are using the hashtag #DropDropbox in an attempt to boycott the company. A petition has also been created which amassed approximately 3,000 signatures in its first few hours, according to a news agency.