Mark Zuckerberg's decision to ditch factcheckers on Facebook and "prioritise free speech" weeks before Donald Trump returns to power was condemned as a "major step back" for public discourse yesterday.
The Meta founder announced multiple changes to his platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in an attempt to "dramatically reduce the amount of censorship".
In a statement yesterday he said that, starting in the US, independent factcheckers will be replaced by a system of "community notes" similar to that used on X, Elon Musk's social media platform, which relies on users to add caveats and context to contentious posts.
Content moderation teams will also be moved from California to Texas, "where there is less concern about the bias of our teams", said Zuckerberg in a five-minute video statement that Nina Jankowicz, a former US government official tasked with fighting disinformation, described as "a full bending of the knee to Trump".
Changes to the way Meta filters content will also mean "we're going to catch less bad stuff" while still taking seriously "a lot of legitimately bad stuff out there, drugs, terrorism, child exploitation", Zuckerberg said.
He said factcheckers were "too politically biased" - an allegation strongly denied by factchecking organisations - and said Meta would "get rid of a bunch of restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are just out of touch with mainstream discourse".
The 40-year-old billionaire said the shift was in response to the US presidential elections, which he labelled "a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritising speech".
Trump and Zuckerberg have had a rollercoaster relationship. Trump threatened to jail the tech boss if he interfered in the election before a November rapprochement involving dinner at Mar-a-Lago, the incoming president's Florida resort, and Zuckerberg donating $1m to his inauguration fund.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 08, 2025-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 08, 2025-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Chaos on two borders Migrants left in limbo after Trump kills key app
The train rumbled through the makeshift migrant camp in Mexico City, blaring its horn and sending people scattering to hug the wall. It passes through at 10am like clockwork, said the residents - almost all of whom have been planted there for months, waiting for the chance to request asylum in the US.
Ministers must hold the line on Thames Water. Administration would be better than a bailout
Make-your-mind-up time approaches for Thames Water. The directors may not have liked Ofwat's \"final determination\" last month - even though the regulator allowed bill increases of 35% over the next five years - but if they wish to dispute it, Thames is free to appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The deadline to do so is 18 February.
Knight's Onslaught in Rain in Vain as Australia Clinch Series
Australia have won the Ashes outright after sealing victory in the second Twenty20 international in Canberra yesterday in a controversial finish as England fought to complete a tight rain-affected run chase.
'Narrowing the gap' WSL B teams could join lower leagues as part of FA shakeup
Allowing B teams from Women's Super League and Championship clubs to play in the Women's National League has been put forward as part of plans to restructure tiers three to six of the English women's pyramid from the 2026-27 season.
'I feel like I can't get away from it' Families tell of lives left shattered
After the terror, the heartache and the unending grief - they shared their pain.
Sabalenka Overpowers Good Friend Badosa to Reach Third Straight Final
An increasingly comfortable Aryna Sabalenka powered into the final of the Australian Open by seeing off her good friend and the 11th seed, Paula Badosa, under the roof on Rod Laver Arena, as she continued her pursuit of a third straight title here.
Sainsbury's cuts 3,000 jobs as it shuts pizza counters and cafes
Sainsbury's is to cut 3,000 jobs in the UK through the closure of its hot food counters and cafes and by reducing senior management roles by a fifth, amid rising labour costs.
Woman not 'at fault' in divorce for refusing sex, says ECHR
Women should not be considered \"at fault\" by courts in the event of divorce for refusing to have sex with their husband, Europe's highest human rights court said yesterday, condemning a ruling in France.
EU trade chief says PM must decide if UK joins European customs deal
The EU's new trade chief has said the bloc could consider including the UK in a pan-European trade agreement, but emphasised that \"the ball is in the UK's court\".
Dykes keeps Blues on course in 'Hollywood derby' draw
If Wrexham v Birmingham was the alternative Battle of Britain last night, it certainly lived up to its billing as the League One promotion chasers played out the scrappiest of draws.
