Meta Ends Fact Checking Program, Zuckerberg Promises Free Speech On Facebook, Instagram

By /

Meta is ending its fact-checking program and adopting a looser speech policy on Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms.

Key Facts:

– Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admits current content moderation has “gone too far.”
– The company will replace third-party fact-checkers with Community Notes, modeled after the system on X.
– Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer, will appear on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” to explain the changes.
– Meta’s restrictions grew out of political pressure after the 2016 election.
– The incoming Trump administration’s support of free expression influenced Meta’s decision.

The Rest of The Story:

According to Meta executives, they want more open conversation and fewer posts taken down for minor or disputed reasons.

They argue that third-party fact-checkers often brought their own biases, leading to unfair content removals.

Replacing fact-checkers with Community Notes is meant to involve users more directly.

Meta will still block certain illegal activities and severe offenses.

However, the company also aims to relax rules around sensitive topics so that discourse can be freer and reflect the platform’s original vision of open communication.

Commentary:

While it’s encouraging to see Meta relax its grip on what gets posted, conservatives have good reason to proceed with caution.

The new approach could let us speak more freely on subjects that were once quickly flagged or removed.

Still, Meta’s record of moderating right-of-center voices leaves many conservatives skeptical.

We appreciate the promise of fairer treatment, but only time will tell if this truly restores freedom of speech for everyone.

The Bottom Line:

Meta’s policy overhaul signals a new commitment to free speech on it’s platforms.

READ NEXT: Another Major Company Jumps Off The DEI Bandwagon

Yet skepticism lingers among conservatives who hope to see real action behind these promises.