Nick Clegg, Meta’s Vice President of Global Affairs, has stepped down, paving the way for Joel Kaplan, one of the company’s most prominent Republicans, to take over the role.
This leadership shift, first reported by Semafor, signals potential changes in Meta’s approach to content moderation and policy, particularly in the realm of free speech.
Joel Kaplan, a seasoned political strategist and advocate for less restrictive speech policies, has been a key figure within Meta for years.
Before joining the company, Kaplan served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the George W. Bush White House. At Meta, he has consistently argued for reducing restrictions on speech, claiming that such policies have disproportionately impacted conservative voices.
Kaplan’s advocacy for more balanced content moderation policies has made him a controversial figure. Critics see his influence as a concession to conservative interests, while supporters argue that his leadership fosters a more open and inclusive digital discourse.
Nick Clegg, a former British Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, joined Meta in 2018. Over his seven-year tenure, he played a crucial role in shaping the company’s global policy and lobbying efforts.
In 2022, Clegg was promoted to lead Meta’s global policy team, overseeing the company’s approach to regulatory challenges, artificial intelligence, and its ambitions in the metaverse.
Clegg’s departure comes on the heels of significant political shifts within Meta’s leadership. His resignation follows a meeting in November between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
During the meeting, Zuckerberg congratulated Trump on his victory, a move that some observers have interpreted as a sign of Meta’s political realignment.
Meta’s leadership changes reflect broader shifts in the company’s political stance. In September, reports surfaced that Zuckerberg identifies as a libertarian and has taken steps to strengthen Meta’s relationship with the Republican Party.
This includes hiring a Republican strategist and reportedly expressing admiration for Trump’s resilience during his campaign.
Zuckerberg’s openness about political pressures has also drawn attention. During congressional hearings, he admitted that the Biden-Harris administration had pressured Facebook into censoring certain content, a revelation that raised questions about government influence over social media platforms.
Mark Zuckerberg expressed gratitude for Clegg’s contributions, highlighting his leadership and vision during a transformative period for Meta.
“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for Meta and the world these past seven years,” Zuckerberg said in a statement. “I’ve learned so much working with you, and our whole team is better for having this opportunity. You’ve made an important impact advancing Meta’s voice and values around the world, as well as our vision for AI and the metaverse. You’ve also built a strong team to carry this work forward.”
Zuckerberg also expressed confidence in Kaplan’s ability to lead Meta’s global affairs team, citing his deep experience and insight.
“I’m excited for Joel to step into this role,” Zuckerberg said, “given his deep experience and insight leading our policy work for many years.”
