Brazil’s government has given Meta until Monday to explain its decision to change its fact-checking program. The demand comes after the company ended its U.S. fact-checking initiative and reduced restrictions on discussions about immigration and gender identity.
Solicitor General Jorge Messias voiced strong concerns, calling Meta’s policies inconsistent. “Meta’s approach is like an airport windsock, changing direction with the winds,” he said on Friday. “Brazilian society will not be at the mercy of this kind of policy.”
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also criticized Meta’s decision, labeling the changes as “extremely serious” and pledging further discussions.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the U.S. policy shift, citing “too many mistakes and too much censorship.” The company has clarified that the changes are currently limited to the U.S.
Meta and Reuters, a former fact-checking partner, declined to comment on Brazil’s request. It remains unclear what actions Brazil might take if Meta fails to respond.
