Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a policy shift to reduce fact-checking on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, stating the existing system has caused more harm than good. Zuckerberg acknowledged the change may lead to an increase in misinformation but defended it as a move towards greater free speech. Critics argue the decision aligns Meta with President-elect Trump's criticism of content moderation, while proponents praise the emphasis on free expression. Experts suggest Meta may be attempting to appease conservatives and align with Trump's views, while also pursuing Zuckerberg's long-held preference for a less restrictive approach to content.
Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., during an interview on"The Circuit with Emily Chang" at Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., July 18, 2024.
Experts who spoke to ABC News said it's difficult to know exactly what motivated the company, but they said both explanations are plausible. The initiative came under criticism from prominent Republicans, including Trump, who accused the company of anti-conservative bias in its evaluation of user posts.
"There's been a shift rightward in terms of attitudes toward free speech in Silicon Valley and perhaps this decision is part of that," Messing added. For his part, Trump appears to believe he influenced the policy change. When asked at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday whether Meta's new content moderation policy came in response to his previous criticism of the company, Trump said, "Probably."
Meta Facebook Instagram Threads Fact-Checking Content Moderation Free Speech Misinformation Donald Trump
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