Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have issued a pointed critique of Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram. Their concern stems from recent policy changes that the couple claim threaten free speech and compromise public safety.
In their statement shared on sussex.com, Harry and Meghan highlighted the global implications of Metaโs decision to scrap initiatives like fact-checking and diversity programs. โIt doesnโt matter whether your views are left, right, or somewhere in between,โ they wrote. โThe latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech. This should deeply concern us all.โ
The couple didnโt mince words, accusing Meta of allowing hate speech and abuse to fester unchecked. Such behavior, they argued, silences voices rather than fostering dialogue. This, they noted, is particularly damaging to vulnerable communities, many of whom already bear the brunt of social media’s darker tendencies.
The Duke and Duchess accused Meta of abandoning its stated mission to โbuild human connectionโ in favor of profit and political expediency. They described the company’s actions as โdeeply deceptive,โ particularly in their disregard for marginalized communities most affected by hate speech and misinformation.
Metaโs decisions, they argued, arenโt just bad businessโthey’re a direct threat to democracy. By abandoning its commitments to equity and inclusivity, the tech giant risks creating an environment that stifles diversity of thought and expression.
Through their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes announced renewed efforts to support organizations like the Center for Critical Internet Inquiry and Accountable Tech. These initiatives aim to keep platforms accountable while fostering a safer digital environment for all.
Their message to Metaโs stakeholders was clear: demand higher standards. Advertisers and shareholders, they urged, must push for ethical practices that prioritize user safety and well-being.
Harry and Meghanโs statement serves as a wake-up call about the responsibilities of major tech platforms. As the couple champions initiatives for online safety, their advocacy underscores a broader call for accountability in the digital ageโa mission they show no signs of abandoning anytime soon.
