Zuckerberg's security costs continue to dwarf those of other tech leaders, and aren't limited to what Meta budgets for him: on top of his $10 million security allowance, Zuck used an additional $13.4 million of Meta money on security in 2020.
Mark Zuckerberg: $26,823,060 in 2021
This amount included $15,195,103 in security costs for his residences and during personal travel, and he receives an annual pre-tax allowance of $10,000,000 to cover any additional costs for his and his family's personal security.
The billionaire's Palo Alto, Calif., mansion is now patrolled by 16 security guards, because apparently that's how the world-famous Facebook co-founder and CEO rolls in his perpetual quest for privacy. Yes, you read that number right.
The CEO has faced scrutiny in the past for spending more on security than comparable technology executives. In 2021, for example, the social media giant spent more than $26.8 million on security-related expenses for Zuckerberg and his family, including the $10 million pretax allowance.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has said in a filing that it is increasing its spend on the personal security of chief executive and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg by $4m (£3.3m) to $14m, at a moment when the company has cut thousands of jobs in what Zuckerberg has called the “year of efficiency”.
His security is said to be so tight that at least two bodyguards even follow him to the restroom of the office. "Wherever he goes in the office, there are at least two bodyguards - very bulky, tall, Hollywood movie-[style] bodyguards," the engineer reveals to BBC.
According to his father, Musk has a team of '100' security guards for his protection. In January, a video went viral of Musk leaving a trial in San Francisco, surrounded by suited men who guard him as he steps into a Tesla.
Billionaire Bill Gates is seen with three bodyguards as he exits the Australian Museum before meeting the Prime Minister. Billionaire Bill Gates was spotted with three bodyguards as he exited the Australian Museum in Sydney on Saturday.
Celebrity security
For celebrity A-listers, it's not uncommon to have a surveillance room installed in lavish homes, to keep tabs on the property and outside area 24/7. Many also hire a number of guards to be stationed at the property which can cost up to $3 million a year.
Billionaires are often the target of criminals. That's why they only hire the best bodyguard company in Los Angeles to provide them with the best security team to keep them safe. However, executive protection may not always be necessary for all billionaires.
'National asset' Mukesh Ambani has India's highest security rating – here's how much the billionaire spends on an elite security detail and armoured cars to protect his family.
Donald Trump: The Most Protected Billionaire
Aside from being a former president of the United States, Donald Trump is respected because of his billionaire status. As a multi-billionaire with businesses across the world, he has an incredible security system that keeps him safe.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, paid CEO Mark Zuckerberg nearly $2.3 million in 2022 for his personal private jet travel.
“Facebook is considered a prime target for hackers due to its large number of users, data and connected applications and platforms (e.g. Instagram, WhatsApp). Hackers tend to aim for users rather than the platform itself as they are the weakest link in the chain,” Fragkoulopoulos said.
Amazon continues to pay a flat $1.6 million a year for founder Jeff Bezos' security, and he covers the rest. Microsoft doesn't disclose any security costs since its executives pay for their own.
Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are not friends. It is common knowledge that they have a frosty relationship. Musk has never been shy about calling Zuckerberg an emperor. He even went so far as to nickname him "Zuck the Fourteenth" in an apparent nod to the French king Louis the XIV, famous for his hubris and excess.
Russia President is the most protected person in the world with over 3000 bodyguards with armored cars and a dedicated security unit that collects info on perceived threats. You know what that means, they smell any intent, the rest is history?.
Full time security services that are 24/7 are required for high-profile celebrities and billionaires, so let's break down the cost: Each dapperly dressed guard costs about $150,000 a year each. A high-profile celebrity needs a team of at least eight bodyguards for 24-hour protection (10 to 12-hour shifts).
The bodyguards were "bulky" and "tall" and like they're from a "Hollywood movie", the engineer, who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said. "Wherever he (Elon Musk) goes in the office, there are at least two bodyguards - very bulky, tall, Hollywood movie -style) bodyguards.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates held a closed-door dinner for an exclusive list of Australia's richest tech billionaires on his most recent trip to Sydney.
Inside, Kardashian was flanked by three large security guards, while many more milled around. “Twenty-five bodyguards were hired from her side,” says a source. “They're off-duty cops.
A Bloomberg analysis of the use of primary private planes among some of the richest people in the world finds that Musk comes out on top. For example, his private jet took more than twice as many trips as Ellison's in 2022.
Elon Musk co-founded and leads Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company. As the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, Elon leads all product design, engineering and global manufacturing of the company's electric vehicles, battery products and solar energy products.