Meta is set to overhaul its content moderation approach by discontinuing third-party fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in favor of a community notes system, similar to that used by X. This shift will empower users to comment on the accuracy of posts directly, marking a significant change in how misinformation is addressed on the platforms.
During a video announcement accompanying a company blog post, Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the need to return to the foundation of free expression. Joel Kaplan, who is taking over as Meta’s head of global affairs, acknowledged that while independent moderation was well-intentioned, it had led to excessive censorship of harmless content. He stated that Meta has often hindered the free expression it originally aimed to promote.
The transition to the new community notes system will initially roll out in the United States over the coming months, although details on its global deployment remain unclear. This system allows individuals with differing viewpoints to collaborate on notes that provide additional context or clarifications to controversial posts, which Meta believes has shown success in previous implementations.
The blog post outlined plans to eliminate numerous restrictions on topics such as immigration and gender identity, asserting that discussions permissible in public forums like Congress should also be allowed on their platforms. The company criticized its previous rules as stifling important political discourse.
These changes arrive as the nation prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Trump’s past criticisms of Meta, calling it “an enemy of the people,” have given way to improved relations, highlighted by a recent dinner at Trump’s estate attended by Zuckerberg.
The recent elections are viewed by Zuckerberg as a cultural tipping point that favors a renewed emphasis on the principle of free speech. The appointment of Kaplan, who succeeds Sir Nick Clegg as the president of global affairs, is also seen as a strategic shift in Meta’s approach to content moderation and its political focus. Clegg indicated in his resignation statement that Kaplan is the right fit for this pivotal role during a transformative time for the company.
