Meta Ends US Fact-Checking Program, Sparks Backlash from Disinformation Experts
Meta’s announcement on January 8, 2025, that it will discontinue its third-party fact-checking program in the United States has ignited fierce criticism from disinformation researchers and experts. The policy shift, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed as part of a broader move to enhance free expression, is seen by many as a dangerous step back in the fight against misinformation. Zuckerberg revealed that Meta would replace its traditional fact-checking system with “Community Notes,” a crowd-sourced moderation tool akin to that used by X (formerly Twitter). While the initiative allows users to add context to posts, critics have raised concerns about its potential effectiveness in combating harmful narratives. Ross Burley, co-founder of the Centre for Information Resilience, warned that the decision could open the floodgates to an influx of false and misleading content, further polarizing the already fragmented political landscape. “Removing fact-checking without a credible alternative risks allowing harmful narratives to thrive,” he said. The move follows growing conservative criticism of fact-checking efforts, which some view as censorship, particularly from figures like U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and X’s owner, Elon Musk. The ongoing debate over disinformation and free speech has become increasingly contentious, with experts expressing alarm over the evolving landscape of content moderation.
