Malaysian aviation magnate Tony Fernandes has announced his decision to shut down all his personal social media accounts under the umbrella of Meta Platforms Inc. — including Facebook, Instagram and Threads.
He cited growing frustration with the rampant spread of false information and scam postings on Meta’s platforms. “I am deeply disappointed by the amount of fake news and scams circulating on Meta’s platforms,” Fernandes said.
Identity Misuse and Scam Campaigns: The Final Straw
Fernandes noted that his own likeness has been used in fraudulent advertisements and scam campaigns on Meta’s services — a direct catalyst for his decision. He further criticised Meta for being slow or ineffective in acting on takedown requests. The timing of his exit also aligns with the end of what he described as a “six-year chapter” marked by the pandemic and corporate upheaval.
What It Means for Social Media Platforms
This high-profile exit raises fresh questions about how social platforms manage identity abuse and misinformation — especially when prominent figures are targeted. It also highlights the growing reputational and operational risks that companies like Meta face from misuse of their services.
While no immediate response from Meta was embedded in the reports, Fernandes’ move is likely to draw increased scrutiny from regulators and users alike.
What’s Next for Fernandes
According to multiple reports, his Threads and Facebook accounts have already been deactivated, with Instagram to follow “shortly”. He emphasised that this decision isn’t about negative comments; instead, it’s about prioritising what matters next in his personal and professional life.
“I’ve truly enjoyed social media; it has brought me many wonderful experiences … however, the platform must be used for good,” Fernandes said.
Meta's Lack of Initiative?
Meta has been criticised for not doing enough to curb cyberbullying, scams and harmful online content, according to Fahmi Fadzil, the Minister of Communications. And it's not just him saying it, but we, the users, are still seeing fake sponsored pages online as well. Even today, Meta, alongside Google and X, has yet to receive its social media license in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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