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