Meta Ends DEI Programs, Alters Content Moderation Policies

Meta has announced significant changes to its content moderation policies, including the dismantling of its fact-checking program and the relaxation of guidelines around hateful conduct. These adjustments, framed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg as a move toward free speech, have raised concerns among campaigners, particularly the Molly Rose Foundation, regarding potential increases in harmful content related to suicide and self-harm, especially for young users. The foundation is urging UK regulators to strengthen protections against such content, voicing alarm over the risks posed by the new moderation framework. Critics argue that Meta's shift could lead to a resurgence of offensive material on its platforms, impacting both user safety and advertiser confidence. The decision to replace third-party content moderation with community-driven assessments mirrors similar trends seen on platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter. These developments have sparked a broader debate on the balance between free expression and the responsibility of tech companies to safeguard their users from harmful content.