Meta Hires Robby Starbuck, Known for Anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Anti-LGBTQ+ Conspiracy Theories, as AI Bias Advisor
Meta Appoints Robby Starbuck as AI Bias Advisor Amidst Controversy
In a move that has sparked debate, social media giant Meta has appointed Robby Starbuck as an AI bias advisor. Starbuck, a former Hollywood director turned conservative activist, gained notoriety last year for his vocal opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and LGBTQ+ initiatives.
The appointment follows a lawsuit filed by Starbuck against Meta, alleging that their AI chatbot defamed him by associating him with the January 6 Capitol riot. The lawsuit, which sought $5 million, was settled out of court. As part of the settlement, Meta has agreed to work with Starbuck to improve the ideological neutrality and reduce political bias in its AI systems.
The decision to bring Starbuck on board has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that his role promotes ideological balance in AI, while critics view it as undermining efforts to create inclusive workplaces and protect marginalized groups. This appointment comes amidst wider political and regulatory pressure on AI companies to maintain ideological neutrality, including a presidential executive order addressing AI bias.
Starbuck's history with Meta's DEI efforts is not limited to the lawsuit. He has gained traction for his online campaigns urging companies to roll back their DEI efforts, achieving success with brands like Tractor Supply, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson, which ended their DEI initiatives.
Meta's decision to move away from some DEI policies is evident in their actions. In early 2025, the company ended its own DEI programs. The role of the chief diversity officer at Meta will now focus on accessibility and engagement, not diversity and inclusion. The company's content moderation programs have also been changed.
The change in Meta's DEI efforts was not directly linked to any lawsuits or settlements involving Robby Starbuck. However, it is part of a broader trend in the technology industry, with Walmart announcing a plan to phase out DEI initiatives in November 2024, a plan initially made public by Robby Starbuck.
Meta's equity and inclusion programs will end, and the company will create programs that focus on fair and consistent practices to mitigate bias for all. The appointment of Robby Starbuck at Meta is aimed at helping the company's chatbot be less "woke."
In conclusion, Robby Starbuck's role at Meta as an AI bias advisor is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the role of ideology in AI systems and the balance between inclusivity and ideological neutrality. As the technology industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how this appointment impacts Meta's AI and the broader industry.
Sources:
- Robby Starbuck: The Conservative Activist Opposing DEI and LGBTQ+ Initiatives
- Meta Settles Lawsuit Filed by Robby Starbuck, Appoints Him as AI Bias Advisor
- Meta Ends Fact-Checking System and DEI Programs
- Meta Shifts Focus from Diversity and Inclusion to Accessibility and Engagement
- Presidential Executive Order Addressing AI Bias
- Walmart to Phase Out DEI Initiatives by 2024
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