Meta Ends US Fact-Checking to Restore Free Expression, Faces Expert Criticism

Jan 7, 2025, 11:10 PM

Meta Platforms Inc. is ending its fact-checking program in the United States, replacing it with a community-driven system called 'Community Notes,' similar to the model used by Elon Musk's X. This change, announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, aims to restore free expression on Meta's platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Zuckerberg cited the recent election as a cultural tipping point towards prioritizing speech, and criticized third-party fact-checkers for being politically biased. The move is part of a broader effort to simplify content moderation policies, reduce mistakes, and lift some restrictions on topics like immigration and gender. The decision has drawn criticism from disinformation experts who warn of increased risks of misinformation proliferation.