Meta Ends Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads; Biden Calls Move 'Really Shameful'

Jan 11, 2025, 04:05 AM

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, replacing it with a community-driven system called "Community Notes," similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter). The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who called the move "really shameful" and suggested it could lead to increased misinformation and harm to democracy. Fact-checking organizations and experts warn that Meta's decision could result in "real-world harm," expressing concerns that relying on user-generated content may not effectively combat misinformation and hate speech. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's founder and CEO, defended the decision as a shift towards promoting free speech while maintaining content accuracy. Critics argue that community-led models may not adequately address the challenges posed by misinformation on social media platforms.