**Why Meta’s AI Bias Adviser Is Under Fire**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 06:21 PM*
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has faced significant criticism for appointing Robby Starbuck as an AI bias adviser. The appointment, made in August as part of a lawsuit settlement, has sparked controversy due to Starbuck’s history of spreading misinformation on various sensitive topics.
### Misinformation and Controversial Claims
Since joining Meta, Starbuck has made several unsubstantiated claims. He alleged that individual shooters in the US were motivated by leftist ideology, labeled faith-based protest groups as communists, and linked Democratic lawmakers to murders. His online behavior has shown no signs of moderation, raising concerns about corporate America’s apparent appeasement of the MAGA movement.
### Starbuck’s Defiant Response
Responding to the backlash, Starbuck described the criticism as an “attempted hit job” aimed at punishing Meta for collaborating with him on AI fairness. He clarified that his controversial statements were made in a personal capacity and not on behalf of Meta. Starbuck emphasized that his role at the company is focused solely on making AI fair for everyone.
Despite multiple requests, Meta has remained silent on Starbuck’s appointment and the contentious rhetoric he continues to share online.
### Controversial Background
Prior to his role at Meta, Starbuck was widely known for opposing corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He targeted companies with conservative customer bases, pressuring major American firms to abandon internal DEI initiatives or sever connections with pro-LGBTQ organizations. Moreover, he has been a notable spreader of vaccine misinformation, amplifying claims promoted by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
### Concerns from Experts
Starbuck’s involvement with Meta has alarmed many experts and advocates. Heidi Beirich, Co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, voiced her disbelief, stating, “He peddles lies and pushes extremism, and it is hard to believe any of this will help make their platforms safer or better.”
As Meta navigates the complexities of AI fairness and corporate responsibility, the controversy surrounding Robby Starbuck’s appointment raises pressing questions about the company’s commitment to combating misinformation and fostering an inclusive digital environment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/robby-starbuck-s-ai-bias-adviser-role-sparks-controversy-for-meta/story
