Wed Jan 22 16:37:42 IST 2025: ## Meta Faces Backlash After US Power Transfer: Automatic Following, Hashtag Glitch, and Shift in Political Stance

**San Francisco, CA** – The recent US presidential inauguration has sparked a series of controversies surrounding Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms. The automatic following of President Biden’s official accounts by previous President Trump’s followers has raised eyebrows, while a technical glitch affecting hashtag searches has fueled accusations of political bias.

Meta confirmed that the automatic following of the new official White House and POTUS accounts is by design, transferring followers from the previous administration’s accounts. While users can easily unfollow, the initial mass following of the Biden administration’s accounts by millions has generated considerable discussion.

Meanwhile, Instagram users have reported issues searching for hashtags related to the Democratic party (#Democrat, #Democrats), with results seemingly suppressed. Meta’s communications director, Andy Stone, addressed the issue on Threads, stating it’s a broader technical problem impacting various hashtags, including some associated with the Republican party. However, users have noted that searching for “Republicans” yields more results than “Republican”. The company claims it is working to resolve the issue.

These technical issues come amidst a significant shift in Meta’s perceived political alignment. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s attendance at President Trump’s inauguration and announced plans to end partnerships with independent fact-checkers have raised concerns about a potential increase in misinformation on the platform. Zuckerberg cited concerns about censorship and a desire to return to “free expression” as the rationale behind this decision. Furthermore, Meta’s termination of diversity initiatives, coupled with the appointment of Republican-aligned figures to leadership positions, including Joel Kaplan, have further fueled anxieties about the platform’s commitment to diversity and accuracy. The changes have been interpreted by many as a move to align more closely with the current administration’s priorities.

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