I just logged into Facebook to catch up with friends and family, but I was taken aback to find that I had been automatically subscribed to follow President Donald Trump's official account. This unsolicited addition occurred during his inauguration, leaving me questioning the platform's motives and the broader implications for user autonomy and political neutrality.
Imagine the uproar from the MAGA community if, during President Joe Biden's inauguration, users had been automatically subscribed to follow his official accounts without explicit consent. The outcry would have been deafening, with accusations of tech bias and manipulation dominating headlines.
This incident also brings to light the evolving relationship between tech giants and political figures. Notably, Meta, under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, donated $1 million to President Trump's inaugural fund, marking a significant shift in the company's political engagements. This move raises questions about the platform's commitment to neutrality, especially given its history of content moderation and the immense power it holds over information dissemination.
Congressman Ro Khanna has also pointed this out moments ago:
The automatic following of President Trump's account without user consent is more than a mere technical oversight; it's a reflection of the intricate and often opaque relationship between technology companies and political power. As users, we must remain vigilant and demand greater transparency and control over our digital experiences. After all, in the digital age, the power to influence minds is just a click away.
I got off Facebook almost 4 years ago. Thank goodness!
Facebook is the new Ministry of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment....