Meta Announces End of US Fact-Checkers

Meta has announced the discontinuation of its US fact-checking program, replacing it with a community notes system that allows users to comment on and correct potentially misleading posts. CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that the previous fact-checkers were too politically biased and had eroded trust. This shift prioritizes free expression and is seen as a response to the cultural climate surrounding political discourse, particularly with Donald Trump's return to prominence. Critics, including Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, warn this could lead to an increase in misinformation and a decline in community safety. The transition will start in the US, with no immediate plans for similar changes in the EU, which has stricter regulations for tech companies. Elon Musk has welcomed the move, indicating a potential alignment in approaches between Meta and X (formerly Twitter).