Biden Blasts Meta’s Decision to Scrap Fact-Checking on Facebook and Instagram
US President Joe Biden has condemned Meta’s decision to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the United States, calling it "really shameful."
Meta’s decision, announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has been met with widespread criticism from fact-checking organizations and experts, who warn of devastating consequences if the company expands its policy to other countries.
Global Consequences
The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) has warned that if Meta broadens its policy shift beyond the US, it will lead to "real-world harm" in many places. The organization, which includes AFP among its global member organizations, noted that some countries are highly vulnerable to misinformation, which can lead to political instability, election interference, mob violence, and even genocide.
Zuckerberg’s Defense
Zuckerberg has defended the decision, comparing the fact-checking program to "something out of 1984," a reference to George Orwell’s dystopian novel. He also expressed regret for giving "too much deference" to the traditional media, criticizing it for pushing the narrative that social media misinformation had swung the 2016 election in favor of Trump.
IFCN’s Response
The IFCN has rejected Meta’s claims, insisting that fact-checking partners undergo "rigorous" verification to meet strict nonpartisan standards. The organization has also praised Meta for consistently praising the rigor and effectiveness of its fact-checking program.
United Nations’ Stance
The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, has also weighed in, stating that regulating harmful content and hate speech online "is not censorship." He emphasized that allowing such content to flourish online has "real-world consequences."
Country-Specific Concerns
Brazil has given Meta 72 hours to explain its fact-checking policy for the country and how it plans to protect "fundamental rights" on its platforms. The country’s Attorney General, Jorge Messias, has threatened to take "legal and judicial" measures against Meta if it does not respond in time.
Concerns Over Hate Speech
Fact-checking organizations and experts are also worried about the potential spike in hate speech on Meta’s platforms. Supinya Klangnarong, co-founder of Thai fact-checking platform Cofact, expressed concern that the proliferation of hate speech could be a "trigger towards violence."
Conclusion
Meta’s decision to scrap fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the US has sparked widespread criticism and concern over the potential consequences for the world. The company’s actions have been met with skepticism from fact-checking organizations and experts, who warn of the devastating consequences of expanding this policy to other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Meta’s fact-checking program?
A: Meta’s fact-checking program was launched in 2016 to help identify and flag false information on its platforms.
Q: Why is Meta scrapping fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in the US?
A: Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has stated that the program is "destroying so much trust, especially in the United States."
Q: What are the concerns about the potential consequences of Meta’s decision?
A: Fact-checking organizations and experts warn that expanding this policy to other countries could lead to real-world harm, including political instability, election interference, mob violence, and even genocide.