Meta is discontinuing the use of independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram in favour of a system similar to X’s ‘community notes’. This new approach lets users remark on the accuracy of posts, effectively crowdsourcing content moderation. In a video shared alongside a blog post on Tuesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that the move was necessary to address concerns about bias among third-party moderators. He described the change as a step toward “getting back to our roots around free expression.” The announcement comes as Zuckerberg and other tech leaders work to strengthen ties with President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration. Trump and his allies have previously criticised Meta’s fact-checking efforts, accusing the company of censoring conservative voices. During a news conference, Trump expressed approval for Zuckerberg’s decision, describing it as a significant shift. When asked if Zuckerberg’s action was influenced by past threats from Trump, the president-elect simply said, “Probably.” Joel Kaplan, a key Republican figure and Meta’s new global affairs chief, acknowledged that while the use of independent fact-checkers was well-intentioned, it had often resulted in perceived censorship. He stated that the transition to community notes was part of a broader attempt to address these criticisms. Unsurprisingly, the change has generated outrage from online hate speech campaigners, who see it as a politically motivated move to align with the incoming Trump administration. Ava Lee, from the advocacy group Global Witness, said: “Zuckerberg’s announcement is a blatant attempt to cozy up to the incoming Trump administration – with harmful implications.” She argued that presenting the decision as a defence of free speech ignores the platform’s role in enabling hate and disinformation. Explore Martech News for the latest advancements in Marketing Technology & insightful updates from industry experts! Source: https://www.marketingtechnews.net/news/meta-drops-fact-checking-for-facebook-and-instagram/