Meta is changing its moderation strategy across its platforms, moving from independent fact-checkers to a community notes system where user comments determine post accuracy. This shift is seen as a way to encourage free expression and eliminate perceived political bias. However, this decision raises concerns about the potential resurgence of misinformation, particularly in relation to political and religious extremism. The reduction in moderation could amplify the spread of conspiracy theories, especially given that many individuals have difficulty discerning fact from fiction in complex information landscapes.
As conspiracy theories, fake news, and concerning waves of disinformation started to typify the COVID-19 pandemic, social media platforms stepped up with a wave of moderation and warnings, seeking to help the public distinguish fact from fiction.
Now, these same platforms are rolling back their moderation systems in a move that they cite will support crowdsourced information and will stop the "mission creep" that the platforms had been accused of.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has made the most recent announcement. They'd previously introduced independent fact-checkers to verify the validity of the content but will now be replacing them with "community notes."
The social media giant sees this making way for considerably more widespread opinions, alongside individuals consuming whatever they see fit.
Collection
[
|
...
]