Meta’s Top Asia Policy Chief Departs Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
The exit of Rafael Frankel, a key policy veteran, highlights mounting pressure on the tech giant over content and competition in its fastest-growing region.
A key architect of Meta Platforms Inc.'s public policy in Asia is set to depart, a high-profile exit that underscores the immense regulatory and political challenges the social media giant faces in its most lucrative growth market.
Rafael Frankel, who serves as Meta's Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia and Head of Asia Pacific Emerging Countries, is leaving the company, according to a Bloomberg report. His departure comes as the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp navigates a minefield of contentious issues across the region, ranging from content moderation and data privacy to competition law and misinformation.
The Asia-Pacific region is critical for Meta, a financial powerhouse with a market capitalization of over $1.56 trillion. The region became its largest source of revenue, surpassing $10 billion in the third quarter of 2025 and accounting for a significant portion of its global user base. However, this growth has been accompanied by intensifying government scrutiny.
Frankel, a veteran of the company, has been instrumental in steering Meta through these complex geopolitical waters. His role involved engaging with policymakers and regulators who are increasingly assertive in imposing their own rules on Western technology firms. His exit signals a potential shift in strategy as these challenges continue to mount.
In recent months, Meta has been contending with a wave of new regulations. For instance, Australia’s 'Social Media Minimum Age Act,' set to take effect in December 2025, forced the company to take preemptive action, removing approximately 550,000 accounts to comply with rules preventing access for users under 16. This is just one example of the localized legal frameworks that multinational tech firms must now adapt to.
Content moderation remains a persistent and politically charged issue. The company has been criticized by its own Oversight Board, which in early 2025 stated that Meta had "hastily" altered a moderation policy with little consideration for its human rights impact. This delicate balancing act—between allowing free expression, preventing harm, and appeasing national governments—is a central challenge for the company's policy executives.
Furthermore, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is opening a new front for regulatory battles. As Meta integrates more AI into its platforms for content curation and moderation, governments across Asia are beginning to draft rules governing AI's transparency, fairness, and accountability. Navigating these nascent legal landscapes will be a critical task for Frankel's successor.
While Meta's stock has performed strongly over the past year, investors remain watchful of geopolitical and regulatory risks. Shares of Meta Platforms were trading around $620, down slightly in recent trading. The overwhelming majority of Wall Street analysts remain bullish on the stock, with 60 holding 'Buy' or 'Strong Buy' ratings against just seven 'Hold' ratings, according to market data. The consensus price target sits near $835.
The departure of a senior policy figure like Frankel highlights the operational complexity and risk involved in maintaining growth in the Asia-Pacific region. For Meta, successfully replacing him and adapting its public policy strategy will be crucial to safeguarding its multi-billion dollar business in the fastest-growing corner of the digital world.