Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, is making big changes to how it handles content moderation.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company will stop working with third-party fact-checking organizations and introduce a new system called "Community Notes."
This user-driven system is similar to the one used by X (formerly Twitter).
Focus on Free Speech
Zuckerberg described these changes as a return to Meta's roots, emphasizing free speech and simpler rules.
“We will reduce errors, simplify our policies, and restore freedom of speech on our platforms,” Zuckerberg said to NBC News.
He also criticized efforts by governments and traditional media to increase censorship on digital platforms, calling recent elections a "turning point" for bringing free speech back into focus.
What Is Community Notes?
Community Notes is a system that allows users to add information and notes directly to posts, replacing the previous moderation program that involved over 90 third-party organizations fact-checking content.
Meta also plans to change its approach to removing posts. Content with "serious violations" will still be taken down quickly, but other questionable content will rely on user reports instead of proactive removal.
Meta is also planning to lift some restrictions on political content in user feeds. The company had previously limited political posts due to user complaints, but now believes people are ready to see more of this type of content again.
“We are entering a new era where people want to see more of this content,” Zuckerberg said.
Security Priorities
As part of the changes, Meta will relocate its Trust and Safety moderation team from California to Texas. The company will continue to enforce strict rules against content related to drugs, terrorism, and child exploitation.
The changes have sparked mixed reactions.
Republicans, who have long criticized Meta's fact-checking system, have welcomed the move. However, others are concerned about the potential risks of reduced moderation, especially in controlling the spread of misinformation.
Zuckerberg also mentioned that Meta will work with the incoming Trump administration to promote free speech globally and fight censorship.
