Facebook and Instagram users recently found themselves automatically following accounts linked to President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and even Melania Trump after the inauguration. The sudden appearance of posts like Trump’s “promises made, promises kept” and a photo of Vance swearing in Marco Rubio sparked confusion and frustration. Many Meta users have reported they hadn’t voluntarily followed these accounts but were nonetheless subscribed to them. This ongoing controversy questions transparency and user control over their digital experiences.
Adding fuel to the fire, pop star Demi Lovato voiced her concerns, sharing that her account repeatedly refollowed Vance despite her attempts to unfollow him. Since then other users have joined in. They have raised their voice, sharing very similar concerns. These incidents come at a time when Meta faces growing scrutiny for its policies and alleged political leanings. Critics argue the platform’s recent actions suggest a bias toward the current administration, a claim Meta has denied.
Policy Changes of Meta and Public Reactions
Meta has recently made several controversial changes, further intensifying backlash. For instance, the company ended its fact-checking programme and replaced it with a user-driven system akin to X’s Community Notes. CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended this shift, claiming the previous system was too politically biased. However, many users see it as a step backwards, potentially allowing misinformation to spread unchecked.
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Additionally, Meta disbanded its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team, and ended its diverse slate approach to hiring. This policy has raised further concerns about the company’s priorities. The platform also updated its hateful conduct policy, permitting posts that label LGBTQ+ individuals as mentally ill. Zuckerberg argued these changes aimed to simplify guidelines. However, critics worry they open the door to harmful content such as hateful comments.
Adding to the controversy, Instagram temporarily blocked search results for hashtags like #Democrat, citing it as sensitive content. Meta claimed this issue affected hashtags across the board, including Republican ones, but many users found the timing suspicious. Social media expert Matt Navarra called the situation embarrassing. He has warned that such mistakes fuel conspiracy theories and erode trust in Meta’s platforms.
Growing Concerns About Platform Bias
These developments coincide with Zuckerberg’s apparent closeness to the Trump administration. He attended Trump’s inauguration and donated $1 million to the event, moves that critics interpret as aligning Meta with Republican leadership. Trump, who once criticised Meta for censoring right-wing voices, has since praised the company’s recent policy shifts.
For users, these incidents underscore growing concerns about the influence of tech giants on their online experiences. Many feel uneasy about what they perceive as manipulation and political bias. While Meta insists its actions are procedural and nonpartisan, public trust in the platform continues to erode.
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