Analysis of user engagement data and impact reports from Meta Platforms Inc.

Meta Ends Fact-Checking, Introduces 'Community Notes' Similar to X to Restore Free Expression in U.S.

Jan 7, 2025, 05:21 PM

Meta Platforms Inc. is ending its fact-checking program and removing restrictions on speech across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will replace fact-checkers with a "Community Notes" system similar to that used on X (formerly Twitter), starting in the United States. "We're going to get rid of fact-checkers and replace them with community notes, similar to X, starting in the U.S.," Zuckerberg stated. He added that the fact-checkers have been "too politically biased" and have "destroyed more trust than they've created, especially in the U.S." Meta will also lift topic restrictions on subjects like immigration and gender identity and will reintegrate political content into users' feeds. The content review team will shift from third-party contractors to in-house. Zuckerberg expressed a desire for Meta to return "to our roots around free expression" and simplify content policies. The changes come ahead of President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20th. Zuckerberg indicated that the recent elections influenced the company's decision to make these significant policy shifts.