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Meta Eases Hate Speech Rules and Boosts Political Content, Faces Backlash and Brazilian Scrutiny

Jan 9, 2025, 07:35 PM

Meta Platforms Inc. has announced significant changes to its content moderation policies, including the termination of its fact-checking program in the United States and a relaxation of rules around hate speech. CEO Mark Zuckerberg cited 'recent elections' as a catalyst for these shifts, which include allowing users to make allegations of mental illness based on gender or sexual orientation. The changes have sparked internal backlash at Meta, with employees expressing frustration and some resigning in protest over the new policy's impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Meta's decision to increase the visibility of political content on Instagram and Threads has raised concerns about the potential spread of disinformation. In Brazil, the Attorney General's Office has given Meta 30 days to clarify whether these policy changes will apply in the country, amid concerns over their impact on democracy and compliance with Brazilian law.