According to Cointelegraph, Meta has announced changes to its fact-checking features on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, confirming that these adjustments will currently apply only in the United States. This decision was communicated in a letter dated January 13 to Brazil's government, clarifying that the independent Fact-Checking Program is being terminated in the US to test and refine a new community notes feature before considering expansion to other regions.
The letter was a response to a 72-hour deadline set by Brazil's Attorney General of the Union (AGU) for Meta to specify the scope of the fact-checking feature's removal. This move follows Meta's earlier announcement on January 7, which stated the removal was part of an effort to enhance freedom of expression on its platforms while aligning with corporate human rights policies. The community notes feature, similar to one used by Elon Musk's platform X, aims to balance freedom of expression with security concerns.
Meta acknowledged potential risks associated with increased freedom of expression, such as harmful content, and assured that automated systems are in place to address severe violations, including terrorism, child exploitation, fraud, scams, and drug-related issues. Despite these assurances, Brazil has expressed dissatisfaction with the removal of the fact-checking feature. Brazil's Attorney-General Jorge Messias emphasized the country's stringent laws to protect children, vulnerable populations, and the business environment, stating that Brazil will not allow digital platforms to become chaotic or harmful.
This development coincides with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's intention to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration to resist foreign governmental pressures on US companies regarding censorship. Zuckerberg is anticipated to attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Catherine
