Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement to eliminate fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram has drawn sharp criticism from various groups, with many calling it a major step backward for online discourse.
The move, framed as a commitment to "prioritising free speech," comes weeks before Donald Trump returns to office, raising concerns about the implications for misinformation and harmful content.
Zuckerberg announced that Meta would replace independent fact-checkers in the U.S. with a “community notes” system, similar to the user-driven model employed by X (formerly Twitter). He stated the shift would reduce censorship and allow more diverse voices to thrive on the platform. Content moderation teams will also be relocated from California to Texas, a decision Zuckerberg said was intended to address concerns about political bias.
In a video statement, Zuckerberg acknowledged the trade-offs of this decision, noting, “We’re going to catch less bad stuff, but we’ll also reduce the number of innocent posts and accounts taken down.” He added that filters would now focus on high-severity violations such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and child exploitation.
The announcement has been met with significant backlash. Critics have labeled it an attempt to appease Donald Trump’s administration, with whom Zuckerberg has had a contentious yet evolving relationship. Nina Jankowicz, a former U.S. government official focused on combating disinformation, called the move “a full bending of the knee to Trump.”
Global Witness, a human rights organisation, warned that the changes could worsen harassment and abuse against marginalised groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. Ian Russell, an advocate for safer social media after the suicide of his daughter Molly, expressed concern over Meta’s reduced proactive moderation, saying it could have “dire consequences” for vulnerable users.
Fact-checking organisations have also pushed back, arguing that their work is crucial to counter misinformation. Angie Drobnic Holan, director of the International Fact-Checking Network, dismissed claims of bias as a tactic by those who “want to lie without rebuttal.”
Chris Morris, CEO of UK-based Full Fact, criticised the move as a "backwards step," warning it could encourage the spread of misinformation globally.
Despite the criticism, some figures have welcomed the shift.
UK TV host Piers Morgan praised the decision, calling it “a complete U-turn on woke censorship.” Meta’s oversight board also expressed cautious optimism, stating they would work to ensure the new system balances free speech with accountability.
The announcement coincides with major leadership changes at Meta, including the replacement of Nick Clegg with Republican Joel Kaplan as the head of global affairs. Meta has also added Dana White, a prominent Trump supporter, to its board. These moves suggest a strategic alignment with the upcoming Trump administration, which is expected to influence the tech sector through regulations and investments, particularly in artificial intelligence.
Zuckerberg has positioned these changes as part of a broader fight against global censorship, citing restrictive laws in Europe and Latin America. However, campaigners and regulators remain skeptical. The UK’s Online Safety Act, set to take effect in March, will require social media platforms to remove harmful and illegal content.