In a move that echoes the recent crackdown on flight-tracking accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Meta Platforms Inc. has suspended numerous accounts on its platforms Threads and Instagram, including those monitoring the travel of prominent figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Kim Kardashian.
The suspension of these accounts, which had previously been allowed to operate, has sparked a heated debate about privacy and the limits of public information sharing. Jack Sweeney, the mastermind behind these tracking accounts, has voiced his concerns about the lack of transparency and communication from Meta. He claims he received no warnings or explanations before the suspensions, despite the accounts adhering to existing guidelines.
The timing of these actions has also raised eyebrows. Notably, the suspension of Sweeney’s account tracking Taylor Swift’s flights occurred 10 months ago, while others continued to operate. The recent wave of suspensions comes shortly after vocal criticisms from Elon Musk supporters regarding the remaining active account tracking his flights.
Sweeney’s accounts have been a source of controversy since their inception. While some view them as a harmless way to follow the movements of public figures, others argue they violate privacy and pose a potential safety risk.
Meta’s decision to suspend these accounts stems from a recommendation made by its Oversight Board in early 2022. This recommendation stressed the importance of protecting private residential information, even if publicly available, citing the risk of physical harm to individuals.
This situation highlights a complex interplay between privacy, public access to information, and the role of social media platforms. It remains to be seen whether Meta’s decision to prioritize privacy over public access will hold up to scrutiny, and what impact it will have on future efforts to track the movements of public figures.