Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program, Raises Concerns

Meta has announced significant changes to its content moderation policies, including the termination of its third-party fact-checking program and the relaxation of hate speech enforcement. These moves, which are seen as an attempt to align with political pressures, particularly from the incoming Trump administration, have raised alarms about the potential for increased misinformation on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Critics argue that the removal of effective misinformation controls could lead to a resurgence of viral hoaxes and the amplification of harmful content, particularly towards marginalized communities. The new policy allows dehumanizing language against groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants under certain contexts, which has drawn fierce backlash from advocacy groups. Experts warn that without robust fact-checking, the platforms could become breeding grounds for disinformation, undermining public trust and potentially threatening democratic processes. The shift marks a dramatic departure from years of progress Meta made in combating online falsehoods since the scrutiny following the 2016 U.S. presidential election.