Brazilian MPF Gives Meta 30 Days to Clarify Fact-Checking Policy Changes Amid STF's Regulatory Stance

Jan 8, 2025, 07:27 PM

The Brazilian Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) has issued a formal request to Meta, the company behind platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for clarification on whether recent policy changes announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg will be implemented in Brazil. These changes involve ending the professional fact-checking program and replacing it with a community notes system similar to that used by X, Elon Musk's social media platform. The MPF has given Meta 30 business days to respond to queries regarding the timeline and extent of these changes in Brazil. This move comes amid concerns over the potential impact on misinformation and hate speech on these platforms. Additionally, Minister Alexandre de Moraes of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) has emphasized that social media companies must comply with Brazilian law to continue operating in the country, highlighting the need for regulation to prevent the spread of hate speech and anti-democratic discourse.