Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, has declared an end to the Meta’s third-party fact-checking program. Meta will adopt a Community Notes model akin to the community-driven fact-checking system on Elon Musk’s X.
This decision, which was revealed on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in Meta’s approach to content moderation and freedom of expression on its platforms.
Zuckerberg, in a video statement, expressed concerns about the political bias of Third-Party Fact-Checking. He stated that the program had ”destroyed more trust than it created” and resulted in ”too many mistakes and too much censorship.”
He emphasized the need to ”get back to our roots around free expression,” suggesting a cultural tipping point towards less censorship following recent elections.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, the conglomerate behind social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, has declared an end to the company’s third-party fact-checking program in the United States. This is NOT AI. pic.twitter.com/pqwp8HuqUj
— NewsVoice (@newsvoicemag) January 8, 2025
Third-party fact-checking can be misinformation in itself
Established in 2016 amidst accusations of platform misuse during the US presidential election, the third-party fact-checking system aimed to combat misinformation by labelling or demoting content deemed inaccurate by independent organizations.
However, this system has faced criticism for its perceived biases and the potential to stifle legitimate political debate.
In place of third-party fact-checkers, Meta will adopt a ”Community Notes” model, akin to the community-driven fact-checking system on Elon Musk’s X. This new approach allows users to annotate posts they believe contain misleading information, providing a more decentralized method to address inaccuracies.
This change aims to empower users while reducing the centralized control over content moderation.
Some applaud the move as a step towards enhancing free speech, particularly in light of accusations that the previous system disproportionately targeted conservative viewpoints. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential rise in misinformation, arguing that user-driven notes might not be as effective or impartial as ”professional” fact-checkers.
One America News:
”With Mark Zuckerberg announcing META is getting rid of fact-checkers, @wakeupwithlinda
tells @mattgaetz that this would be a welcome reprieve for a platform known for stricter bans than the Taliban.”
This policy shift comes as Donald Trump’s administration is incoming
Recent gestures from Meta, including a $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund and the appointment of Trump ally Dana White to its board, suggest an attempt to align with the new political landscape.
Zuckerberg has also hinted at working closely with the Trump administration to ”push back on governments around the world that are going after American companies and pushing to censor more.” This statement reflects Meta’s broader global strategy to advocate for less governmental oversight in content moderation.
While the cessation of the fact-checking program is currently limited to the US, Meta has not ruled out similar changes in other regions. The company plans to gradually introduce the Community Notes system, with an emphasis on continuous improvement based on user feedback.
This decision by Meta could herald a new era for social media platforms, where user participation plays a more significant role in content verification. It could potentially set a precedent for how tech giants manage content in the age of digital democracy.
Sources and related
- BBC: Facebook and Instagram get rid of fact checkers
- Fox News: Meta ends fact-checking program as Zuckerberg vows to restore free expression on Facebook, Instagram
- Wired: Meta Ditches Fact-Checkers Ahead of Trump’s Second Term
- NewsVoice: James O’Keefe on deboosting – the latest Facebook backlash
