Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has heard from a dozen US conservative leaders regarding recent claims over politically biased content.
On Wednesday, the internet entrepreneur held a closed door meeting at the social network’s Silicon Valley headquarters, where he defended the company’s practices but recognised that the right wing might believe his platform to be politically liberal.
Following the meeting, Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook: “It doesn’t make sense for our mission or our business to suppress political content.
“I know many conservatives don’t trust that our platform surfaces content with a political bias.
“I wanted to hear their concerns personally and have an open conversation about how we can build trust.”
He also stated that while Silicon Valley has a reputation for being liberal, Facebook’s billion users encompass every ideology and background.
The meeting followed recent scrutiny of Facebook’s editorial practices, which came under fire after a former contractor from its ‘trending’ team anonymously accused the social network of deliberately suppressing conservative news.
Facebook has denied the allegations and stated that a full investigation will be conducted.
A spokesperson from the platform said that Wednesday’s meeting produced “a constructive discussion” and some attendees called it productive.
Brent Bozell, president of the Media Research Centre, said: “I think Facebook is very sincere in wanting to resolve outstanding issues with conservatives.”
While SE Cupp, the conservative CNN commentator, said the meeting had produced “strong commitments to address issues, as well as to work together on common goals”.