Jack Sweeney, a college student known for tracking the private jets of celebrities like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift, has announced that he will not be restarting his banned accounts on Meta platforms. This decision follows the suspension of his accounts due to safety concerns raised by Meta, which has left Sweeney feeling disillusioned with major social media companies.

Key Takeaways

• Jack Sweeney’s jet-tracking accounts were suspended by Meta due to safety concerns.
• This is the second time major social media platforms have taken action against Sweeney’s accounts.
• Sweeney plans to focus on his own website for greater control over his content.

Background On The Jet-Tracking Accounts

Jack Sweeney gained notoriety in 2022 for tracking the private jets of high-profile individuals, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and pop star Taylor Swift. His accounts provided real-time updates on the movements of these celebrities, which drew both attention and criticism.

In October 2024, Meta suspended Sweeney’s accounts on Instagram and Threads, citing a risk of physical harm to individuals. This decision was made following recommendations from Meta’s independent Oversight Board. Sweeney expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the suspensions, stating that he received no prior warning or explanation.

The Reaction From Sweeney

Sweeney has voiced his discontent with the way Meta handled the situation. He noted that unlike previous suspensions, where he received warnings, this time his accounts were simply blacked out with no options for interaction. He stated:

"These platforms don’t care about transparency. They selectively enforce their rules, allowing some users to stay while others are shut down without reason."

Despite acknowledging the privacy concerns raised by celebrities, Sweeney maintains that the data he shared was publicly available. He suspects that pressure from the public figures he tracked may have influenced Meta’s decision, although he lacks concrete evidence to support this claim.

Safety Concerns Raised By Celebrities

Celebrities like Musk and Swift have expressed concerns about the potential safety risks associated with jet-tracking accounts. Swift, in particular, labeled the tracking as "stalking and harassing behavior," leading to a cease-and-desist order against Sweeney last year. These concerns have contributed to the ongoing debate about privacy and public interest in the digital age.

Future Plans For Sweeney

In light of the recent developments, Sweeney has decided not to attempt to restart his accounts on Meta platforms. Instead, he plans to focus on developing his own website, where he can maintain greater control over his content. He stated:

"I think a new technology is needed. The idea of free speech and citizen journalism on social media platforms is almost like an illusion."

Sweeney continues to operate his jet-tracking accounts on smaller platforms like X, albeit with a 24-hour delay to comply with new policies regarding live location sharing. He believes that this approach allows him to continue his work while navigating the complexities of social media regulations.

Conclusion

The suspension of Jack Sweeney’s jet-tracking accounts highlights the ongoing tensions between privacy concerns and public interest. As Sweeney shifts his focus to his own website, the future of celebrity tracking remains uncertain, raising questions about the balance between transparency and safety in the digital landscape.

Sources

• Meta banned accounts tracking Musk’s and Trump’s private jets. The student behind them says he’s lost faith in big social-media platforms., Business Insider.
• The Guy Who Tracked Elon Musk, Taylor Swift’s Private Jet Wants To Know ‘Who’s Behind’ His Suspended Social Media Accounts: ‘…Until Someone Threatens You Or Tells You To Do This’ – Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Benzinga, Benzinga.
• Celebrity private jet-tracking accounts suspended by Meta ‘without reason’, ABC Action News Tampa Bay.
• Celebrity private jet-tracking accounts suspended by Meta ‘without reason’, TMJ4 News.
• Celebrity private jet-tracking accounts suspended by Meta ‘without reason’, WPTV.