Ressa and the Rappler news site she co-founded have spent years fighting online disinformation while battling court cases filed under former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte after critical reporting of his deadly drug war.
The veteran journalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 said in an interview with AFP Meta's decision meant "extremely dangerous times ahead" for journalism, democracy and social media users.
"Mark Zuckerberg says it's a free speech issue that's completely wrong," Ressa said at Rappler's newsroom in Manila.
"Only if you're profit driven can you claim that; only if you want power and money can you claim that. This is about safety."
Meta's announcement on Tuesday was seen by analysts as an attempt by Zuckerberg to appease US President-elect Donald Trump before his inauguration this month.
Trump has been a harsh critic of Meta and Zuckerberg for years, accusing the company of bias against him and threatening to retaliate against the tech billionaire once back in office.
This story is from the January 09, 2025 edition of Khaleej Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 09, 2025 edition of Khaleej Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Swift helps raise UK music sales to new record
UK music sales reached a record high in 2024 thanks to massive streaming and increased vinyl purchases of hits by top artists, notably Taylor Swift, an industry body revealed on Wednesday.
Folk singer Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary dies at 86
American singer and songwriter Peter Yarrow, who found fame with the 1960s folk music trio Peter, Paul and Mary, died on Tuesday at the age of 86, his publicist said.
Raspy-voiced hit machine Rod Stewart turns 80
Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer the world with a string of megahits, turns 80 on Friday with no plans to slow down.
UAE banks to remain on stable path this year
UAE banks are on a stable path heading into 2025, reflecting their strong performance deriving from improved asset quality, significant lending growth, and still high profitability, a report said on Thursday.
Sky Force's first song Maaye out
The much-awaited song Maaye from Akshay Kumar's upcoming historical action thriller Sky Force has been re-leased.
Armaan Malik, Aashna Shroff make first public appearance post wedding
Singer Armaan Malik and his wife, influencer Aashna Shroff, were spotted at the Mumbai airport for the first time after their wedding in December last year.
Girish Malik on Band of Maharajas at the Oscars
The Oscars are slotted for a March ceremony this year. A couple of Indian films may be headed to the awards this year, under several categories. Recently, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the \"reminder list\", and it includes the name of director Girish Malik's film Band of Maharajas among several others.
Gold hits four-week peak amid Trump concerns
Gold prices rose to a near four-week high on Thursday, supported by safe-haven demand, while investors weighed how US President-elect Donald Trump's policies would impact the economy and inflation.
Frshar Mail set to redefine secure communication, data privacy
Frshar Mail, an innovative e-mail programme, looks set to redefine secure communication and data privacy by addressing the vulnerabilities that plague mainstream platforms.
Borders Bookstore celebrates inspirational journey of Lord Rami Ranger
Borders Bookstore at Mall of the Emirates hosted an extraordinary book signing event on January 2, 2025, featuring Lord Rami Ranger to celebrate the launch of the revised edition of his inspirational autobiography, From Nothing to Everything. The event was a remarkable success, drawing a large audience of readers, business enthusiasts, and admirers eager to meet the distinguished author.
