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The multinational Meta, owner of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced this Tuesday that it will end its fact-checking program, which relied on accredited external partners to verify the accuracy of the information shared on its networks.
Instead, it will implement a new system called "Community Notes," which will allow users to flag potentially misleading posts and add context, similar to the model used by the social network X (formerly known as Twitter), Mark Zuckerberg, a representative of Meta, explained in a video posted on his Facebook page.
The businessman emphasized that the changes will currently only affect users in the United States, where, in his view, there is a "changing political and social landscape" that reflects a desire to "embrace freedom of expression."
The new model will allow users themselves to identify and flag content that they consider misleading or in need of additional context, eliminating the need for professional fact-checkers.
Zuckerberg also said that the content moderation systems used so far by Meta had been making "too many mistakes." Despite these changes, the tech giant assured that it will continue to moderate content related to sensitive issues such as drugs, terrorism, and child exploitation.
Meta's decision, made after a meeting between Zuckerberg and Donald Trump, and just days before the latter assumes the presidency of the United States, has sparked mixed reactions.
Angie Holan, director of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), expressed her concern in a post on X, stating that this measure "will harm social media users seeking reliable information."
Holan criticized the removal of fact-checkers, arguing that the verification work has never been about censoring or removing posts, but about adding context and debunking false information and conspiracy theories. He also suggested that this decision was the result of "extreme political pressure" from the new administration and its supporters.
On the other hand, the owner of X and ally of Trump, Elon Musk, described Meta's new policy as "great" and expressed his support for free speech and the decentralization of content moderation.
At the end of November, Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, met with the elected president of the country at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's residence in Florida.
The meeting, which included a private dinner, sparked speculation about the motives and possible implications of this rapprochement, considering the historical relationship between both figures marked by tensions and accusations.
Trump has accused Meta of censoring conservative voices, particularly during the 2020 presidential elections, and the subsequent removal of Trump from Meta's platforms following the riots of January 6, 2021, intensified these tensions.
Trump referred to Facebook as "the enemy of the people" and suggested on several occasions that he might take legal action against Zuckerberg, including threats of imprisonment.
Meta justified the indefinite suspension of Trump in 2021, citing violations of platform policies related to incitement to violence.
However, in 2023, their accounts were reinstated, marking the beginning of a period of relative reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changes in Meta and Political Influence
Why has Meta decided to end its fact-checking program?
Meta has decided to end its fact-checking program in order to adopt a new approach that promotes freedom of expression, allowing users to flag potentially misleading posts through a system called "Community Notes." This decision reflects a desire to adapt to a "changing political and social landscape" in the United States.
What is the "Community Notes" system that Meta will implement?
The "Community Notes" system is a new tool that Meta will implement for users to flag potentially misleading posts and add additional context, similar to the model used by the social network X. This system aims to decentralize content moderation and encourage active community participation in information verification.
What implications does the recent rapprochement between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump have?
The approach between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump, evidenced by meetings and donations, could be interpreted as an attempt by Meta to improve its relations with the incoming Trump administration. This might influence future regulations affecting big tech companies and suggests a strategic repositioning of Meta in the political landscape of the United States.
How has the international community reacted to the changes in Meta's policy?
The international community has had mixed reactions to the changes in Meta's policy. While some support the measure for promoting freedom of expression, others, such as the International Fact-Checking Network, criticize the removal of the fact-checking program, arguing that it could harm users seeking reliable information and that this decision is a response to political pressures.
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