Politics
Meta’s top policy official Joel Kaplan to depart in 2027
Joel Kaplan, who has led Meta’s global affairs operation since January 2025 and helped shape its policy work since 2011, plans to leave the company next year. His tenure included decisions involving speech moderation, misinformation and artificial intelligence.
Meta chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan plans to leave the company in 2027, a Meta spokesperson and an official familiar with the departure confirmed Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Kaplan has been a central figure in Meta’s lobbying and public policy work since joining the company in 2011. He was elevated to chief global affairs officer in January 2025, succeeding Nick Clegg, and has helped shape the company’s positions on online speech, misinformation and artificial intelligence.
Before joining Meta, Kaplan served as deputy chief of staff for policy to President George W. Bush. His approach to content moderation drew attention in 2016, when he reportedly argued for lighter enforcement, warning that stricter rules could disproportionately affect conservative viewpoints on the company’s platforms.
Kaplan’s departure comes as debates over how social media companies moderate content and influence public discussion remain central to technology policy. Meta’s next global affairs chief will inherit those policy battles, as well as the company’s work with lawmakers and regulators.