Meta's Former Policy Chief Nick Clegg Offers Nuanced Criticism of Silicon Valley Culture

Former Meta policy chief Nick Clegg promotes his book "How to Save the Internet" with nuanced criticism of Silicon Valley. He believes social media has allowed billions to communicate, but describes the Valley as "cloyingly conformist" and notes its growing obsession with masculinity. Clegg distances himself from his former employer without disavowing Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg.

In his upcoming book, "How to Save the Internet," former Meta policy chief Nick Clegg presents a nuanced critique of Silicon Valley. Clegg, who previously led the U.K.'s Liberal Democrats, offers a balanced perspective on the tech industry while promoting his new work. The book, set to be released soon, provides insights into his time at Meta and his observations about the culture of Silicon Valley.

Clegg acknowledges the transformative power of social media, stating that it has enabled billions of people to communicate in ways previously unimaginable. However, he also expresses reservations about the Valley's culture, describing it as "cloyingly conformist" and noting its growing obsession with masculinity. He observes that the industry's obsession with machismo and self-pity is deeply unattractive and puzzling.

In interviews, Clegg distances himself from his former employer without disavowing key figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg. He emphasizes that he would not have worked for Meta if he believed the company's leadership was as malicious as some portrayals suggest. Clegg praises Zuckerberg's curiosity and intelligence, but also highlights the Valley's tendency towards insularity and herd-like behavior.

The former politician and strategist also reflects on his experiences in different professional environments, including Westminster and Silicon Valley. He finds the culture of Silicon Valley particularly insufferable, citing its obsession with privilege and perceived victimhood. Clegg's new book aims to shed light on the insularity of Silicon Valley and the missteps it has made in the past.

Clegg has since returned to London after leaving his role in Silicon Valley in January. His wife, Miriam González Durántez, is considering leading a new centrist party in Spain, while Clegg himself has expressed a desire to return to politics if the debate on Britain's EU membership resumes.

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/24/former-meta-exec-nick-clegg-offers-careful-criticism-of-cloyingly-conformist-silicon-valley/
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/23/nick-clegg-silicon-valley-self-pity-wealthy-men