Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is eager to play an ‘active role’ in shaping technology regulations under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, according to Nick Clegg, Meta’s head of global affairs.
In a press briefing, Clegg explained that Zuckerberg aims to influence debates around maintaining America’s leadership in the tech industry, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI), reported the New York Post. This marks a notable shift for Meta as it looks to establish closer ties with the incoming administration, especially after years of tension between Zuckerberg and Trump.
Clegg acknowledged that Meta had made mistakes in its content moderation efforts, particularly during the pandemic, when the company over-enforced its policies. Meta’s stricter moderation policies led to the removal of content that, in hindsight, appeared innocuous. Clegg admitted that these missteps were partly due to pressure from governments and users who criticized the company for its handling of misinformation.
Zuckerberg’s recent actions reflect his intent to align Meta with the incoming Trump administration.
Just last week, Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago following a meeting request to discuss the new administration. Meta later expressed gratitude for the invitation, signaling the company’s willingness to engage with Trump’s leadership despite his previous criticisms of Facebook.
The relationship between Meta and Trump has been complicated.
The former president has called Facebook “an enemy of the people” in the past. However, Trump has also publicly opposed actions such as banning the China-owned app TikTok, which would benefit Facebook. As the company faces regulatory scrutiny and competition from rivals like Google and Microsoft-backed OpenAI, Zuckerberg’s outreach to Trump underscores the company’s desire to have a seat at the table in future tech policy discussions.
Meta’s strategy extends beyond content moderation issues.
The company is also vying for influence over the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where it advocates for an open-source approach, contrasting with its competitors’ proprietary models. This aligns with Zuckerberg’s focus on the future of AI as a pivotal component of global technological leadership.
The dynamic between Zuckerberg and Trump could have lasting implications for tech policy in the U.S. As Meta continues to navigate regulatory challenges and public scrutiny, the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with the Trump administration signal a new chapter in its evolving relationship with the government.