WASHINGTON: Meta has ended fact-checking the content on its platforms- Facebook and Instagram. The decision comes ahead of Donald Trump’s sworn-in as president and has drawn criticism.
Meta announced it will end partnerships with independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram in the US.
Instead, it will use a user-driven moderation system inspired by Elon Musk’s “community notes” on X (formerly Twitter).
Safety groups and campaigners argue it risks increasing hate speech and misinformation.
In a video statement, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the change addresses concerns over “political bias” in third-party moderation. “It’s time to get back to our roots around free expression,” he said.
Meta clarified that the policy will start in the US and won’t immediately affect partnerships in the UK or EU.
Criticism over decision
Advocacy groups have condemned the decision to end fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram.
Ava Lee of Global Witness accused Meta of prioritizing politics over user safety. “This is a blatant attempt to cozy up to the Trump administration, with harmful implications,” she said.
Fact-checking organizations, such as Full Fact, criticized the shift. Chris Morris, CEO of Full Fact, called it a “backward step” that could undermine efforts to combat disinformation globally.
The Molly Rose Foundation highlighted risks to vulnerable users. The UK-based group asked whether changes would affect moderation of content related to suicide and self-harm. Meta assured that severe violations would still be handled by automated systems.
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s new head of global affairs, said the company aims to scale back “mission creep” in moderation policies. He argued that restrictions on topics like immigration had suppressed political debate.
Political Ties Questioned
Observers said Meta’s evolving relationship with Donald Trump. The company previously faced criticism from Trump over its moderation practices. In November, Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, and Meta later donated $1 million to his inauguration fund.
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Zuckerberg described the US elections as a “cultural tipping point” for free speech. The move marks a departure from Meta’s earlier focus on trust and safety.
Experts see the policy as part of a broader trend in tech.
Kate Klonick, a law professor at St. John’s University, called it a “radical swing” in content governance. Critics warn it may erode progress made in combating harmful content online.
