Meta Criticized for 2025 Policy Rollback, Fact-Check Cuts

Meta's Oversight Board has strongly criticized the company's January 2025 overhaul of its hateful conduct policies, which included ending its U.S. fact-checking program and removing some protections for LGBTQ and immigrant users. The Board warned that these changes, made without sufficient human rights due diligence, could increase discrimination and harm. The new policy allows users to allege mental illness based on gender or sexual orientation, a move that advocacy groups say fosters abuse. While the Board supported Meta’s stance on keeping certain posts up for public debate, it called for a human rights impact assessment and more transparency. The Board also urged Meta to engage with affected stakeholders and to strengthen enforcement against harassment and misinformation. Meta has welcomed decisions upholding free expression but has not committed to revisiting or revising the controversial policy changes.