Former Meta Global Affairs Head Urges Technology to Remain Apolitical

Former Meta global affairs chief Nick Clegg emphasized that technology companies should remain separate from politics, warning that public unease arises when firms intervene in political matters. Speaking to CNBC, he noted the importance of maintaining respectful distance between tech innovation and political influence. Highlighting the U.S.-China TikTok deal, Clegg stressed concerns over American data safety and algorithm ownership, and criticized data localization efforts like India’s. He warned that such policies could fragment the open internet. Clegg also highlighted U.S.-China tensions and the potential global impact, cautioning that emulating China’s internet restrictions would threaten the internet’s foundational open principles.