In a significant policy shift, Meta has announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking program on platforms including Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. This decision comes as the company prepares for a new phase under a potential Trump presidency, according to sources familiar with the matter. CEO Mark Zuckerberg explained that the company wishes to return to its foundational principles of free expression, despite acknowledging that this change may lead to an increase in misinformation across its platforms.
Meta Ends Third-Party Fact-Checking Program: A Shift Towards User Reliance
Meta Ends Third-Party Fact-Checking Program: A Shift Towards User Reliance
Meta has decided to discontinue its independent fact-checking initiative, opting instead for user-based content moderation.
Zuckerberg noted that the shift to user annotations on potentially misleading posts is a calculated "trade-off" meant to reduce unjust content removal, although it may not ensure a more accurate information environment. This move has stirred controversy, drawing sharp criticism from digital rights advocates while receiving praise from Donald Trump and his conservative allies.
Trump’s administration reportedly received an advance notice of the decision, fueling connections between his political moves and Meta's new policy. The President-elect even pointed to the decision as possibly influenced by his public critiques and threats towards Meta and Zuckerberg, raising questions about the intersection of technology and politics in the digital age.
Trump’s administration reportedly received an advance notice of the decision, fueling connections between his political moves and Meta's new policy. The President-elect even pointed to the decision as possibly influenced by his public critiques and threats towards Meta and Zuckerberg, raising questions about the intersection of technology and politics in the digital age.
