Former Meta Global Affairs Head Urges Technology to Remain Apolitical

Former Meta Global Affairs Head Nick Clegg on Friday emphasized that technology companies should maintain a strict separation from politics, arguing that public unease arises whenever tech firms intervene in political or public affairs. Speaking to CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Clegg said politics and tech innovation do not mix well and that it is preferable for both domains to maintain a respectful distance from one another. His comments came in the context of recent developments involving U.S.-China relations and TikTok, highlighting the complexities at the intersection of technology, data security, and geopolitical considerations.

Clegg cited the recent deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump with China to ensure TikTok remains operational in the United States. The arrangement involves both political oversight and technological constraints, and Clegg stressed that the balance between these elements will be closely scrutinized. In particular, he urged attention to two critical aspects of TikTok’s operations: the safety and security of American user data and the ownership and control of the platform’s algorithm. He noted that ensuring transparency and accountability in these areas is particularly challenging, describing the sharing of algorithms as “quite difficult.”

Having stepped down from his role at Meta earlier this year, Clegg expressed concern over whether U.S. data would remain secure and free from surveillance, while also criticizing other governmental approaches to managing or siloing data. He highlighted India’s recent legislative initiatives aimed at enforcing “hard data localization,” which would require all citizen data to be stored within national boundaries. Clegg warned that such policies, if adopted widely, could fragment the global internet and disrupt open data flows, undermining the interconnected nature of the digital ecosystem. He described this as a potential domino effect, cautioning that if every country claims its “slice of the data cake,” the open principles driving the internet could erode.

Regarding the Trump administration’s executive order, Clegg explained that the plan involves creating a joint-venture company to oversee TikTok’s U.S. data and algorithm. Oracle is tasked with managing cloud services and security operations for the app. As of the reporting, neither China nor TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, had commented on the order. Clegg emphasized that the U.S.-China relationship represents the most significant risk to the internet, noting that any fallout from disagreements or regulatory measures could push other countries to implement divergent policies, potentially fracturing the global internet.

Clegg also reflected on the geopolitical symbolism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent visit. He warned that if India were to emulate China by attempting to isolate its internet infrastructure from the global network, it would pose a serious threat to the fundamental open principles of the internet. Clegg argued that such unilateral measures could create a precedent for other nations, further challenging the idea of a universally accessible and interconnected digital space.

Overall, Clegg’s remarks underline the complex interplay between technology, politics, and global governance. He urged caution against politicizing technology platforms and highlighted the need for careful handling of data security, regulatory oversight, and international cooperation. The discussion reflects broader concerns about data sovereignty, internet governance, and the potential fragmentation of the open web due to nationalistic or protectionist policies. By maintaining a clear boundary between technological innovation and political intervention, Clegg believes the internet can continue to serve as a global, open, and interoperable resource.

In summary, Nick Clegg stressed that tech companies must remain apolitical, safeguard data security, and carefully navigate international regulations. He warned against hard data localization, geopolitical tensions, and attempts to replicate restrictive models like China’s, as these could undermine the open and interconnected principles that underpin the global internet.