Meta is ending its collaboration with fact-checkers in the United States, according to an announcement made today by owner Mark Zuckerberg. Instead, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will implement a system that allows users to comment on potentially misleading content.
The new system, based on user comments, is similar to the Community Notes feature on X (formerly Twitter). In this system, users can provide feedback on potentially misleading posts, meaning that professional fact-checkers will no longer be responsible for verifying content.
The company says it is terminating its partnership with experts, including journalists from major international news agencies, because, according to Zuckerberg, they are “politically biased.” “The fact-checkers have done more harm than good in terms of building trust,” Zuckerberg stated in a video message.
Immigration and Gender
Zuckerberg also announced plans to change Meta’s moderation policy on certain topics. “We want fewer restrictions on subjects like immigration and gender,” he said. According to him, Facebook and Instagram have shifted from being inclusive platforms to spaces where people are silenced too quickly.
He also claimed that too many posts are being fact-checked and censored. The fact-checking is currently handled by employees of major international news agencies such as AFP, AP, and Reuters.
Zuckerberg pointed to recent U.S. elections as a major factor in his decision. “The last elections feel like a cultural turning point to bring freedom of speech back to the forefront,” he said.
Cozying Up to Trump
Zuckerberg is clearly seeking favor with Donald Trump, with whom he dined shortly after Trump’s election victory at Mar-a-Lago. Trump was informed of Meta’s plans in advance. Meta also donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, along with other tech companies.
By relocating moderation teams to Texas and shifting to user-driven corrections instead of professional fact-checking, Meta is following the example of Trump advisor Elon Musk, owner of X. Under Musk’s leadership, that platform has transformed into a propaganda machine for the new president.