Meta Ends Fact-Checking Censorship Program: A Win for Free Speech in the Digital Age?
January 7, 2025
On January 7, 2025, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has announced the end of its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, a move they claim will foster “more speech” on their platforms. The company is adopting a “Community Notes” system for moderation in the U.S., moving away from reliance on third-party fact-checking. This new model focuses on prioritizing enforcement for illegal and severe violations while lifting restrictions on many mainstream discussions.
Additionally, Meta plans to personalize users’ experiences by tailoring the visibility of political content in their feeds in an effort to reflect commitment to supporting free expression while maintaining platform integrity.
Read the full update at Meta Newsroom.
Meta deletes its own AI accounts following user backlash
January 5, 2025
Meta has come under fire for its deployment of AI-generated accounts on Instagram and Facebook. On January 3, 2025, users began raising alarms about these accounts, criticizing their realistic behavior, lack of transparency, and potential for misuse. The AI-powered profiles were intended to demonstrate Meta’s advancements in artificial intelligence but sparked widespread concerns over privacy and authenticity.
In response to the backlash, Meta has scrambled to delete the accounts and issued a statement addressing the criticism. This incident highlights growing tensions around the use of AI in social media and the importance of user trust in technological innovations.
For more details, read the full coverage:
- CNN – https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/business/meta-ai-accounts-instagram-facebook/index.html
- NBC News – https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/meta-ai-insta-shuts-character-instagram-fb-accounts-user-outcry-rcna186177
- The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/03/meta-ai-powered-instagram-facebook-profiles
- Nasdaq – https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/meta-deletes-self-created-ai-accounts-following-user-criticism
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the tech giant’s Connect developer conference Sept. 27, 2023, in Menlo Park, Calif.
– Godofredo A. Vásquez / AP file