Social media behemoth Meta has declared a major revision of its content moderation strategy, which includes ending its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S.
Zuckerberg’s Vision for Free Speech
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed the changes via a social media post, stating, “We’re going to get rid of fact-checkers and replace them with community notes similar to X (formerly Twitter), starting in the US.” He criticized fact-checkers for being “too politically biased” and for eroding trust, particularly among U.S. users.
Political Influence and Policy Shifts
These announcements resonate with criticisms from Republicans and X’s owner Elon Musk, who have often viewed such fact-checking initiatives as censorship. Zuckerberg highlighted a cultural shift towards valuing free speech, especially after recent elections.
Reconciliation with Trump
The policy overhaul coincides with Zuckerberg’s recent moves to mend fences with President-elect Donald Trump. This includes a significant donation to Trump’s inauguration fund and a personal dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Trump, who has accused Meta of liberal bias and was once banned from the platform, saw his account restored in 2023.
New Leadership and Cultural Realignment
Meta has also made significant personnel changes, appointing Republican figure Joel Kaplan to lead public affairs. Kaplan commented on the excessive censorship of harmless content and the need for a moderation approach that doesn’t go “too far.” Additionally, UFC president Dana White, a Trump ally, was named to Meta’s board.
Geographical and Policy Adjustments
To address perceived biases, Meta plans to move its trust and safety teams from liberal California to more conservative Texas, aiming for less concern over team bias. Furthermore, Meta will reverse its previous policy on reducing political content, opting instead for users to have more control over political content exposure on its platforms.
Impact on Global Fact-Checking
Currently, Meta collaborates with AFP in 26 languages as part of its global fact-checking initiative. However, the U.S. move signals a potential shift in how misinformation is addressed worldwide.
