Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is phasing out its third-party fact-checking programs in the United States. This decision comes amid the reintroduction of a bonus program that compensates content creators for viral content. Experts warn that this timing could lead to an increase in the spread of misinformation on Meta’s platforms.
In the past, fact-checkers have played a crucial role in identifying and flagging false or misleading content. Posts deemed inaccurate by fact-checkers were not eligible for monetization. However, with the discontinuation of these programs, Meta is shifting its approach to content moderation, prioritizing user-generated notes to help flag problematic content.
While Meta has indicated that these changes will not be fully implemented until March, there are already reports of an increase in the spread of false content. One Facebook page manager shared positive sentiments about the end of the fact-checking program, specifically regarding a viral claim that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was offering payments for reporting undocumented immigrants.
The removal of independent fact-checking mechanisms raises concerns about the potential consequences for misinformation and its impact on public discourse. Critics argue that Meta’s decision may undermine efforts to combat the spread of false or misleading information.
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