Meta Is Getting Rid Of Fact-Checkers. Here's What It Means For Facebook Users
This change could lead to a broader shift in how information is consumed and shared online.
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, is ending its programme that used third-party fact-checkers on its platforms, starting in the US
Meta says this change will promote "more speech" and allow for a wider range of viewpoints.
This decision comes as tech companies are increasingly facing pressure from right-wing groups who claim that online fact-checking is a form of censorship. It also coincides with the impending return of Donald Trump as US President, whose supporters have often criticised efforts to moderate online content.
Instead of relying on professional fact-checkers, Meta will now use a system called "community notes" to address misinformation on its platforms
This approach, similar to the one used on X, allows users to contribute factual corrections to posts. These corrections only become visible if they are endorsed by other users with diverse perspectives.
Meta's Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, explained in a post that the previous fact-checking programme, launched in 2016, aimed to provide accurate information about viral hoaxes through independent experts. However, he admitted that it didn't quite work out as intended. He suggested that it sometimes led to the suppression of legitimate political speech and debate, which was not the original goal.
This change has a few implications for Facebook users. Here's what it means:
With this change in mind, users are more likely to encounter posts containing false or misleading information in their feed. Without independant fact-checkers, it will be harder to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources.
This also means that users need to be more critical of the information they see on Facebook and conduct their own fact-checking.
Essentially, Facebook users will need to be more vigilant and discerning when consuming information on the platform. It will be crucial to develop critical thinking skills, cross-check information with reliable sources, and be aware of the potential for bias and misinformation.
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