Kaplan's promotion to head of global affairs comes as Meta seeks to rebuild relations with Trump and secure regulatory support for its AI initiatives. Despite facing criticism for prioritizing optics over online safety, Kaplan is seen by some as a crucial power broker for Meta, helping to navigate the political landscape and protect the company's interests. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, as he has faced allegations of sexual harassment, which Meta has denied following an internal investigation. The article highlights Kaplan's ability to work across the political spectrum, despite the polarized environment, and his role in ensuring Meta's AI models remain neutral ahead of the U.S. election.
Key takeaways:
- Joel Kaplan, a Republican lobbyist, has become Mark Zuckerberg's most trusted political adviser at Meta, playing a key role in the company's pivot towards more conservative policies.
- Kaplan has been instrumental in Meta's decision to loosen content moderation policies and reduce fact-checking, which has been seen as a move to appease former President Donald Trump.
- Kaplan's influence has caused controversy within Meta, particularly among left-leaning employees, due to his ties to conservative figures and his role in policy decisions.
- Kaplan has faced allegations of sexual harassment from a former Meta executive, which Meta has denied, stating the claims were unfounded after an internal investigation.