Silicon Valley and Meta increasingly leaning towards Trump and the right, says Nick Clegg
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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Context piece
- Nick Clegg, former Meta executive, observes a shift in Silicon Valley towards conservative politics, particularly the MAGA movement.
- He attributes this trend partly to the companies' self-interest and the evolving nature of digital platforms relying on algorithmic content.
- Clegg also expressed concerns about the UK's growing reliance on tech companies like Palantir, urging a review of public sector partnerships.
Nick Clegg, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister and ex-Meta executive, has observed a noticeable shift among major Silicon Valley technology firms towards conservative politics, specifically aligning with Donald Trump's MAGA movement. Clegg suggests this pivot is partly driven by the companies' own strategic interests.
The president asked the officials to do everything they can to help overcome this crisis in our constitutional order.
Speaking on the "The Rest is Money" podcast, Clegg noted that many tech executives who previously avoided political discourse have become more vocal in their support for right-wing policies. He linked his own departure from Meta in March 2025, shortly after Trump's second term began, to these significant changes within the tech sector. Clegg also pointed out that the digital platforms themselves have transformed, with social media increasingly relying on algorithmically recommended content, including AI-generated material, rather than solely on interpersonal communication.
Clegg also voiced concerns regarding the UK government's increasing dependence on large technology providers, particularly highlighting the collaboration with Palantir Technologies. He warned that Palantir could become excessively integrated into state systems. This issue has intensified in the UK, with a parliamentary committee cautioning against the public sector's growing reliance on major tech firms and recommending a review of the partnership with Palantir when contract options expire in 2027.
It was just ridiculous. It was probably something that's hard for even people in a lesser developed democracy to imagine.
Palantir, however, disputes claims of creating user dependency, asserting that government departments have successfully migrated data and processes to other providers. The company emphasizes that its technology enhances the efficiency of the UK's health system. Clegg joined Meta in 2018, following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and was involved in managing the fallout and establishing an independent oversight body for content moderation decisions. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the political influence of Big Tech, the role of artificial intelligence, and the relationship between the private sector and government institutions.
The president supported the protests and wanted to thank them for raising the issue.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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