Meta Responds to Claims of Forcing Users to Follow Trump Accounts
Meta has clarified that it did not compel users to automatically follow official Trump administration accounts on its platforms.
In a recent wave of backlash, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has strongly denied allegations that users were forced to follow newly established accounts of President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and First Lady Melania Trump after Trump's inauguration. Many users of the platforms reported being "automatically" subscribed to these accounts. Meta's spokesperson, Andy Stone, explained that the White House updated the existing accounts, a standard procedure followed during presidential transitions. He assured users that the previous accounts associated with Joe and Jill Biden would gradually reflect the leadership change, but adjustments in following requests might experience delays. As Trump swiftly issued executive orders, his inauguration saw the presence of major tech figures, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and X's Elon Musk. Historically critical of Meta, Trump had previously faced bans from the platform, but recent interactions suggest a shift in relations. Notably, Meta is realigning its policies by phasing out third-party fact-checkers, signaling a dedication to free expression amidst ongoing conversations about political bias.
Meta has clarified that it did not compel users to automatically follow official Trump administration accounts on its platforms.
In a recent wave of backlash, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has strongly denied allegations that users were forced to follow newly established accounts of President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and First Lady Melania Trump after Trump's inauguration. Many users of the platforms reported being "automatically" subscribed to these accounts. Meta's spokesperson, Andy Stone, explained that the White House updated the existing accounts, a standard procedure followed during presidential transitions. He assured users that the previous accounts associated with Joe and Jill Biden would gradually reflect the leadership change, but adjustments in following requests might experience delays. As Trump swiftly issued executive orders, his inauguration saw the presence of major tech figures, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and X's Elon Musk. Historically critical of Meta, Trump had previously faced bans from the platform, but recent interactions suggest a shift in relations. Notably, Meta is realigning its policies by phasing out third-party fact-checkers, signaling a dedication to free expression amidst ongoing conversations about political bias.
