Meta to End Fact-Checking on Facebook, Instagram Ahead of Trump Term: Live Updates
Published On Jan 7, 2025, 9:23 AM
Meta has announced a significant reversal in its content moderation policies, culminating in the end of its fact-checking program. The company will now rely on its users to take the lead in adding notes to posts that may contain misinformation, mirroring a strategy used by Elon Musk’s platform, X. CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that this policy shift could increase the presence of misleading content on Meta's platforms but framed it as a necessary move towards promoting free expression as he prepares for the new Trump administration. This decision comes as part of Meta's broader strategy to ease restrictions that have faced criticism for alleged bias against conservative voices, relocating some operational aspects to Texas in response to perceived political pressure. While this might attract more conservative users and could positively affect engagement on Meta's platforms, it raises concerns over a potential increase in misinformation, which could negatively impact the overall trustworthiness of Meta as a tech company.
Stock Forecasts
META
Positive
Meta's decision to shift content moderation could lead to increased user engagement, particularly among conservative users. However, the potential rise in misinformation may drive away more users who favor accurate content. As Meta is poised to benefit from increased political discussions, initial positive impacts could be observed on their advertisement revenue and user engagement metrics.
Related News
Mark Zuckerberg Says Meta Fact-Checkers Were the Problem. Fact-Checkers Rule That False.
Jan 7, 2025, 2:47 PM
Fact-checking groups that worked with Meta said they had no role in deciding what the company did with the content that was fact-checked.
Who Is Joel Kaplan, Meta’s New Global Policy Chief?
Jan 7, 2025, 11:44 AM
The longtime Republican lobbyist for Meta was named to the company’s top policy role last week.
Meta platforms ditching third party fact-checking in US
Jan 7, 2025, 8:33 AM
Facebook and Instagram will instead rely on "community notes" from its users, an approached pioneered by X.