Facebook and Instagram abandon fact-checkers for community-driven notes

In January 2025, Meta announced that it would stop employing third-party fact-checkers on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, opting instead for a user-driven model known as community notes. This shift is set to begin in the United States, with no specific timeline for other regions yet disclosed. The decision was articulated by Mark Zuckerberg in a video accompanying the announcement, emphasizing a renewed commitment to free expression. Joel Kaplan, who succeeded Sir Nick Clegg as the head of global affairs at Meta, indicated that previous reliance on independent moderators had inadvertently led to excessive censorship, silencing what he described as harmless content. This change comes amidst a broader cultural context and reflects a growing sentiment towards prioritizing free speech across social media platforms, especially as the company anticipates the implications of political dynamics following the recent elections and particularly with the forthcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Zuckerberg's remarks suggested a belief that the recent elections have signaled a cultural tipping point, reinforcing the call for more open discourse on the internet, especially concerning topics like immigration and gender identity. The new approach will incorporate users from various viewpoints to agree on contextual notes to controversial posts, thus allowing for broader engagement and discussion rather than relying on external fact-checking, which some argue has stifled vital political dialogue. Kaplan's comments regarding the removal of restrictions on sensitive topics have sparked discussions around the responsibilities of tech companies in managing content moderation versus allowing free expression. This transition not only marks a significant pivot in Meta's operational strategy but also underscores the shifting political landscape, which may be affected by the company's previous affiliations and investments related to Trump’s administration. This adaptability corresponds to the changing expectations of users and the larger societal clamor for platforms to serve as open forums for discussion rather than as gatekeepers of information. The implications of these changes will likely be scrutinized closely in the months ahead as Meta implements its new policy framework and engages its user base in this collaborative fact-checking model.