Meta Denies Facebook, Instagram Users Were Forced to Follow Trump but Admits It ‘May Take Some Time for Unfollow Requests to Go Through’

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor After President Donald Trump’s swearing in Monday, numerous Facebook and Instagram users discovered — to their horror and dismay — that they were somehow following not only Trump but also Vice President JD Vance, First Lady Melania Trump and other accounts for the new White House administration.

To many, it seemed as if their Facebook and Instagram accounts were being forced to follow the profiles without their knowledge or permission.

And some saw a sinister connection with Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg’s recent moves to curry favor with Trump, including the company’s $1 million donation to the presidential inauguration fund and Zuckerberg’s decision to end the internet giant’s fact-checking program (something Trump and other conservatives have complained about).

Adding to the consternation: Some Facebook and Instagram users said they tried — unsuccessfully — to unfollow Trump and others multiple times.