President Biden has voiced disapproval of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to drop fact-checking from the company’s platforms.
Key Facts:
• Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday he would remove fact-checking tools on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
• Biden condemned the move as “really shameful” and contrary to American values.
• Zuckerberg’s announcement cited the 2024 election as a primary reason to reduce moderation.
• Meta also decided to cut its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) team, citing changes in U.S. laws and policies.
• Biden stated that “telling the truth matters” and expressed concern about misinformation.
The Rest of The Story:
In a press session at the White House, Biden emphasized that a private company’s decision to abandon fact-checking can affect millions of users.
While Mark Zuckerberg said he plans to rely on “community notes” similar to what is used on X (formerly Twitter), critics worry that removing professional fact-checkers could open the door for misleading content.
Zuckerberg stated that these adjustments would refocus Meta on “free expression,” especially during heated election cycles.
However, opponents argue that misinformation from political figures can spread rapidly without fact-checkers.
According to Biden, the choice to drop the fact-check program goes against “what America is about.”
Meanwhile, Zuckerberg also revealed that Meta will dismantle its DEI team, a decision the company says aligns with changing legal requirements.
This shift comes as the tech giant prepares for the upcoming Trump administration, which begins on January 20.
During an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Zuckerberg claimed the current administration often pressured Meta to remove certain pandemic-related posts, accusing officials of aggressive demands.
Critics see Meta’s policy changes as a major step back from corporate responsibility.
Supporters, on the other hand, say it will allow broader viewpoints and reduce online censorship.
Biden, in his final weeks in office, continues to question the timing and wisdom of Zuckerberg’s strategy.
There you have it!
Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the Biden administration pressured his employees by “screaming and cursing” at them to remove COVID and vaccine-related content.
They even demanded META to even censor memes. When they resisted, the administration began… pic.twitter.com/GnlahOKhXR
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) January 10, 2025
Commentary:
We believe President Biden is mistaken in blaming Meta.
His own administration took steps that limited speech by pressuring technology companies to remove certain viewpoints.
Now that Zuckerberg is moving toward a freer speech environment, Biden appears unhappy.
We welcome Meta’s commitment to letting more voices be heard, despite the former administration’s inclination to dictate what information should stay online.
The Bottom Line:
Meta’s shift away from fact-checking and DEI programs signals a significant change in its approach to content moderation.
President Biden warns that this could fuel harmful misinformation, particularly in an election year.