Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is replacing its independent fact-checking programme with user-driven “community notes.” This shift mirrors a feature introduced by Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) and allows users to provide context and clarifications to posts. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the change in a video, stating third-party moderators were “too politically biased” and that the company seeks to promote “free expression.”
The decision arrives as Meta aligns with US President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration has criticised fact-checking policies as censorship. Trump praised the move, calling it a significant step forward. Critics, however, view the change as a strategic effort to appease Trump’s administration. Ava Lee of Global Witness labelled it a “blatant attempt” to avoid accountability for misinformation and hate speech.
Meta’s fact-checking system, introduced in 2016, flagged misleading posts, reducing their visibility and attaching informational labels. The community notes system, initially launching in the US, focuses on collective agreement among users to determine a post’s context. Meta clarified that the change will not affect content on sensitive topics like self-harm or eating disorders.
Fact-checkers have expressed disappointment. Chris Morris, CEO of Full Fact, called the decision a “backwards step” that risks global impacts. Critics fear this approach might reduce oversight at a time when the UK and EU are demanding greater accountability from tech platforms.
Zuckerberg acknowledged the risks, admitting the trade-off would likely lead to fewer false positives but more harmful content slipping through. Meta’s decision signals a shift in political and operational priorities, sparking debate over free speech versus responsible moderation.
