Meta Suspends Celebrity Jet-Tracking Accounts on Threads and Instagram

Meta Suspends Celebrity Private Jet Tracking Accounts

In a significant move to uphold privacy, Meta has suspended several Threads and Instagram accounts associated with tracking the private jets of high-profile celebrities. Notable figures affected by this ban include tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos, along with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and former U.S. President Donald Trump. This action has reignited discussions on the balance between public interest and individual privacy.

Background of the Suspensions

Jack Sweeney, the individual behind the @ElonJet account on X (formerly known as Twitter), has gained notoriety for managing multiple private jet tracking accounts that utilize publicly available flight data. After the suspensions, he took to Threads to express his sentiments, stating that this situation reminded him of the mass suspension of his accounts on Twitter.

Message Displayed After Suspension

Users who attempted to access the suspended accounts were met with a message stating, "The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed." This indicates a total blackout, as users have no options to interact with or recover information from these accounts.

Meta's Justification

In a statement provided to TechCrunch, a Meta spokesperson conveyed that the decision to disable these accounts was rooted in concerns regarding "the risk of physical harm to individuals." The spokesperson also mentioned that this action adhered to recommendations from the independent Oversight Board, emphasizing the platform’s commitment to user safety and privacy.

Response from Jack Sweeney

Sweeney has claimed that at least 38 of his accounts have faced suspension across various platforms, including Threads and X. He likened the current situation to December 15, 2022, the date when his original @ElonJet account was permanently shut down, underscoring a pattern of restrictions on flight tracking accounts.

Legal Threats and Consequences

Earlier in the year, Sweeney’s account tracking Taylor Swift’s private jet was also deactivated after the singer threatened legal action against him, citing claims of "stalking and harassing behavior." This incident highlights the increasing pushback from public figures against the scrutiny and exposure that comes from private jet tracking.

Conclusion

The suspension of these accounts raises critical questions about privacy, freedom of information, and the implications of technology on public life. As digital privacy continues to become a pressing issue, the actions taken by Meta reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect individuals from unwanted attention and potential harm.