Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program for a New Era

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has officially ended its U.S.-based fact-checking program. The move replaces traditional fact-checking with a community-based moderation system, drawing comparisons to Elon Musk’s X platform. This shift aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s renewed emphasis on free expression and reducing content censorship.

In a statement, Zuckerberg noted, “We’ve had too many mistakes in content moderation. It’s time to prioritize free expression and simplify our policies.”

Changes to Content Moderation Policies

Under this new approach, Meta plans to:

• Adjust content filters to require higher confidence before removing posts.
• Implement “Community Notes,” a system allowing users to flag misleading posts and add context.
• Transition its trust and safety teams from California to Texas, emphasizing localized decision-making.

This strategic overhaul aims to limit the role of external fact-checking organizations and focus on community-driven input.

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

The decision to retire the fact-checking initiative, launched in 2016, has sparked varied reactions. Jesse Stiller, managing editor at Check Your Fact, expressed shock, stating, “This will have a significant impact on our operations.” Meanwhile, Meta’s independent Oversight Board welcomed the move.

Critics, however, are skeptical. Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience, called the move “a step back” at a time when misinformation is rapidly evolving.

Community-Based Moderation: A Global Trend?

Meta’s shift mirrors X’s “Community Notes” model, which has faced scrutiny under European Commission investigations. Meta plans to gradually roll out its version in the U.S., promising system improvements over the next year.

With over 3 billion users across its platforms, the success of this experiment could set a precedent for global content moderation practices.