The tech giant Meta, which owns platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue its fact-checking program, which relied on external accredited partners to verify the accuracy of information shared on its networks. Instead, it will introduce a new system called "Community Notes," allowing users to flag potentially misleading posts and add context, similar to the approach used by the social network X (formerly Twitter), as explained by Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, in a video on Facebook.
Zuckerberg emphasized that these changes will currently only impact users in the United States, where he believes there is a "changing political and social landscape" reflecting a desire to "embrace free speech." The new model empowers users to identify and highlight content they consider deceptive or in need of additional context, removing the necessity for professional fact-checkers.
He also acknowledged that Meta's previous content moderation systems had been making "too many mistakes." Despite these modifications, the tech conglomerate assured it would continue to moderate content related to sensitive topics, such as drugs, terrorism, and child exploitation.
Reactions to Meta's Decision
Meta's decision, following a meeting between Zuckerberg and Donald Trump, and just days before Trump's return to the presidency, has sparked mixed reactions. Angie Holan, director of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), expressed her concern on X, stating that this move "harms social media users seeking reliable information."
Holan criticized the removal of fact-checkers, arguing that verification work was never about censoring or removing posts, but about adding context and debunking false information and conspiracy theories. She suggested this decision was the result of "extreme political pressure" from the new administration and its supporters.
In contrast, Elon Musk, owner of X and a Trump ally, praised Meta's new policy, calling it "great," and expressed his support for free speech and the decentralization of content moderation.
Trump and Zuckerberg's Relationship
At the end of November, Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, met with the country's president-elect at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida residence. The meeting, which included a private dinner, stirred speculation about the motives and potential implications of this rapprochement, given the historical tensions and accusations between both figures.
Trump has accused Meta of censoring conservative voices, particularly during the 2020 presidential elections. Trump's expulsion from Meta's platforms after the January 6, 2021 riots intensified these tensions. He labeled Facebook as "enemy of the people" and hinted at legal actions against Zuckerberg, including threats of imprisonment.
Meta justified Trump's indefinite suspension in 2021 by citing policy violations related to incitement of violence. However, in 2023, his accounts were reinstated, marking the beginning of a period of relative reconciliation.
Impact of Meta's New Policy on Free Speech
Why did Meta end its fact-checking program?
Meta ended its fact-checking program to implement a new system called "Community Notes" that allows users to flag misleading content and provide additional context, reflecting a shift towards embracing free speech.
What is the Community Notes system?
The Community Notes system enables users to identify and add context to potentially misleading posts, similar to a model used by X, aiming to decentralize content moderation.
How has the decision affected Meta's relationship with political figures?
The decision has led to mixed reactions, with some viewing it as influenced by political pressure, particularly from Trump's administration, while others, like Elon Musk, support the move towards free speech.