Meta scraps fact-checking program, introduces X-like community notes feature

• Published On: 07 January 2025 at 18:14

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday that the company will discontinue its fact-checking program and introduce a new community notes feature similar to that of X, formerly known as Twitter.

The change, which will begin in the United States, aims to strengthen free expression and streamline content policies, according to Zuckerberg.

In a Facebook video, Zuckerberg explained that Meta would return to its "roots," simplifying content moderation policies and promoting open speech on its platforms. He chastised governments and traditional media outlets for encouraging more censorship, which he claimed had harmed free expression.

Zuckerberg also stated that the recent US elections served as a "cultural tipping point" for prioritising speech. He acknowledged that discussions about the potential dangers of online content had led Meta to develop complex moderation systems that, in his opinion, resulted in "too many mistakes" and excessive censorship.

The new community notes feature will replace the existing fact-checkers and allow users to flag content, with the goal of increasing transparency and accountability in content moderation.