Influencer UK - Editorial Team
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the end of its third-party fact-checking initiative, signaling a shift towards user-driven moderation as it braces for the return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. The tech giant aims to refocus its efforts on free expression while curbing illegal and severe violations.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated, “It’s time to get back to our roots around free expression on Facebook and Instagram,” in a video announcement on Tuesday. The company plans to adopt a “community notes” model, similar to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), where users can provide contextual input on posts rather than relying on Meta’s direct intervention.
Rebuilding Relations with Trump
This move aligns with Meta’s efforts to rebuild relations with President-elect Trump, who had criticized the platform during his campaign. Zuckerberg has reportedly sought to strengthen ties with Trump’s administration, even appointing Trump allies like UFC founder Dana White and tech investor Marc Andreessen to Meta’s board of directors.
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s new president of global affairs, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating the prior fact-checking system had been “too biased.” He highlighted the company’s commitment to free expression under the incoming administration.
Reduced Content Restrictions
Meta also announced plans to scale back automated content removal, particularly on polarizing topics like immigration and gender, while intensifying its focus on tackling high-severity violations, such as terrorism and child exploitation. Zuckerberg acknowledged that this approach could lead to less harmful content being flagged but argued the benefits of reducing unnecessary censorship outweigh the risks.
The company is relocating its U.S.-based content moderation operations from California to Texas, a move Zuckerberg believes will foster greater trust by operating in regions perceived as less politically biased.
Criticism and Concerns
Meta’s changes have drawn criticism from online safety advocates. Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly died after exposure to harmful online content, expressed dismay over the decision, warning of potential risks for vulnerable users.
Zuckerberg defended the shift, blaming external pressures from governments and traditional media for past overreach in content moderation. He emphasized Meta’s resolve to collaborate with the Trump administration in challenging global censorship, particularly in restrictive regions like China and parts of Europe.
Meta’s Broader Vision
Despite these changes, Meta continues to invest heavily in safety and security, with billions spent annually and a global workforce dedicated to these efforts. The company’s pivot reflects a balancing act between promoting free expression and maintaining platform integrity in a polarized political climate.
By aligning more closely with Musk’s content moderation model and engaging with the Trump administration, Meta signals a significant recalibration of its platform policies in anticipation of shifting political and social landscapes.
