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Who is Jack Sweeney who angered Taylor Swift and is on radar of celebs

US programmer Jack Sweeny who tracks celebrities' private jets, has been garnering both praise and criticism lately.

Khushboo Joshi
Last Updated : Monday, 12 February 2024
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Jack Sweeney, a 21-year-old programmer from Orlando, Florida, has gained significant attention for his unique endeavors in tracking the private jets of prominent individuals, including celebrities and billionaires. His innovative use of Twitter bots to monitor and share the locations of these jets has garnered both praise and criticism, making him a notable figure in the tech and celebrity spheres.

Early Life and Education

Born in 2002, Sweeney hails from Orlando, Florida. He pursued his education at the University of Central Florida, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree. From an early age, Sweeney displayed a keen interest in technology and programming, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the tech industry.

Twitter Bot Development

During his teenage years, Sweeney delved into the world of Twitter bot development, focusing on tracking and sharing the locations of private jets belonging to prominent individuals. His bots targeted figures such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Drake, and later, Taylor Swift. This initiative catapulted Sweeney into the spotlight, showcasing his proficiency in leveraging technology for unconventional purposes.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In February 2022, Sweeney revealed his entrepreneurial pursuits by founding a company called Ground Control, dedicated to monitoring the flight activity of prominent billionaires. This venture underscored his ambition to capitalize on his expertise in tracking private jet movements and providing valuable insights into the travel patterns of influential personalities.

Role in Elon Musk's Acquisition

Sweeney's Twitter handle, particularly @ElonJet, gained significant traction and played a pivotal role in Elon Musk's October 2022 acquisition of a social media giant. Musk reportedly reached out to then Twitter CEO, Parag Agarwal, urging for the ban of Sweeney's account. However, Agarwal refused, sparking a chain of events that ultimately led to Musk's acquisition of the company. This incident showcased Sweeney's impact on high-profile individuals and their interactions within the digital realm.

Recognition and Accolades

In addition to his technological prowess, Sweeney's entrepreneurial acumen earned him a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for the year 2024. This recognition further solidified his status as a rising star in the tech industry, highlighting his contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship at a young age.