Nick Clegg, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister and current president of global affairs at Meta, has transitioned from a political to a tech career, stepping away from Meta and reflecting on his experiences. Clegg recently discussed his decisions and opinions during a photoshoot in London, highlighting his wife’s political ambitions in Spain through her non-profit organization, España Mejor. This shift followed their move from California, where they had lived for several years.
Clegg acknowledges earning a substantial salary at Meta, stating he feels fortunate but refutes reports of earning £100 million. He defended the positive aspects of social media, arguing it has allowed people, especially from underrepresented regions, to communicate in unprecedented ways. However, he expressed concerns about the future of the internet in the face of authoritarianism and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements.
His departure from Meta occurred amid significant political realignments, notably the transition in the tech industry’s relationship with politics following Donald Trump’s election. Clegg insists that his exit was amicable and that while social media platforms may struggle with content moderation, choices regarding misinformation management were part of an evolving landscape in response to societal pressures.
Clegg highlighted that while he advocates for free speech, he recognizes the complexities of its application in modern contexts, especially as it relates to social media’s societal impacts. He notes that the links between social media use and rising public discontent are multifaceted, attributing many societal issues to broader economic and political trends rather than solely to technology.
Looking ahead, he emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to AI, cautioning against its concentration in the hands of a few tech companies, which he believes could lead to social unrest if not managed thoughtfully. Clegg’s upcoming book, “How to Save the Internet,” aims to address these challenges while promoting a hopeful outlook on the future of technology.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/23/facebook-nick-clegg-tech-bros-trump-leaving-silicon-valley