Mark Zuckerberg is positioning Meta for a second Trump term, embracing changes that reflect his personal politics. The company’s recent shifts signal a fundamental hollowness at its core – it’s unclear what Meta wants to become next. By adopting Mr. Trump’s conservative values and shedding its fact-checking program, Meta aims to increase free expression on the platform.
However, critics argue this new direction could harm marginalized groups, including immigrants and transgender people, who may be subject to increased criticism and harassment online. The move has also sparked concerns that Meta’s new rules will become a breeding ground for QAnon-style conspiracy theories and censorship demands from right-wing allies.
As Mr. Zuckerberg shifts his views on speech, he faces the challenge of balancing his desire for cooperation with the Trump administration against the potential backlash from his former liberal base. The billionaire’s personal politics have seemingly shifted to the right since 2020, leading some to question whether this move is driven by opportunism or genuine conviction.
While Mr. Zuckerberg has been studying Elon Musk’s playbook, his new direction signals a significant realignment for Meta – its largest political shift since 2016. To thrive beyond the Trump years, the company will need to find a clear purpose and address concerns from all sides of the political spectrum.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/08/technology/meta-facebook-trump-mark-zuckerberg.html