Celebrity Jet-Tracking Accounts Suspended on Threads and Instagram

Meta has suspended multiple celebrity jet-tracking accounts on Threads and Instagram, including those tracking the private jets of figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Kim Kardashian. The creator of these accounts, Jack Sweeney, revealed that he received no prior warning or explanation. Meta later clarified that the accounts were removed due to privacy concerns and the risk of potential harm to individuals. Sweeney compared this move to similar suspensions he faced on other platforms like X, where he had also tracked celebrity flights using publicly available data.

Sweeney’s @ElonJet account gained fame for its ability to track private jets of high-profile individuals, but it faced scrutiny due to the potential safety concerns associated with real-time tracking. This move by Meta follows similar actions by other tech platforms, with some celebrities, like Taylor Swift, taking legal action over concerns of harassment. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between public transparency and privacy in the digital age, particularly when it involves high-profile individuals.

Meta’s decision aligns with recommendations from its independent Oversight Board, which advises the company on policies and ethical considerations. However, the lack of direct communication with Sweeney or further details on the suspensions has drawn criticism, leaving many questioning the extent of data-sharing and privacy restrictions on platforms.