Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a major shift in the company’s approach to content moderation, replacing third-party fact-checkers with a Community Notes-style system similar to X (formerly Twitter). The move, which will affect Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, is being framed as a step toward free expression but has already sparked debate over potential misinformation risks.
Meta Shifts Away from Fact-Checking
In a video message, Zuckerberg explained that Meta’s existing moderation systems were too complex and prone to errors, leading to unintended censorship.
“Even if they accidentally censor one percent of posts, that’s millions of people,” Zuckerberg said. “We’re gonna get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies, and restoring free expression on our platforms.”
Starting in the U.S., Meta will phase in Community Notes, which will allow users to provide context to potentially misleading posts. The company will also stop demoting fact-checked content, meaning posts previously flagged for misinformation may regain visibility.
How Will Community Notes Work?
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, confirmed the plan in a blog post, stating that the company was inspired by X’s model.
“We intend to be transparent about how different viewpoints inform the Notes displayed in our apps, and we’re working on the right way to share this information.”
Unlike traditional fact-checking, Community Notes rely on crowdsourced input from users with diverse perspectives, aiming to prevent bias. However, similar programs on X have struggled with misinformation, with even Elon Musk’s posts being fact-checked.
Relaxing Content Moderation and Policy Changes
Beyond the fact-checking overhaul, Meta is easing restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that Zuckerberg claims have gone “too far” in limiting discussion. The company is also reducing automated content filtering, focusing enforcement only on illegal or high-severity violations (e.g., terrorism, child exploitation, scams).
Political Implications and Trump’s Influence
Zuckerberg explicitly linked these changes to the political climate, calling Trump’s election victory a “cultural tipping point” for free speech.
“Now we have an opportunity to restore free expression, and I am excited to take it.”
Meta’s shift comes alongside politically charged personnel moves, including the replacement of Nick Clegg with Joel Kaplan, a former George W. Bush aide. The company also recently appointed UFC CEO Dana White, a Trump ally, to its board.
A Risky Bet on “Free Expression”
While Zuckerberg argues that these changes will enhance user voice, critics worry they may open the floodgates for misinformation and extremism.
Meta’s new policies are a gamble—one that could boost engagement or alienate users wary of unmoderated content.
Read more on Engadget here.