Meta is stepping away from its fact-checking program and easing speech restrictions to "restore free expression" on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. The social media company admits its content moderation policies "went too far."
"We’re going back to our roots," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a video posted Tuesday. "We’ll focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying policies, and restoring free expression." He added that fact-checkers will be replaced with Community Notes, similar to those used on X.
Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, appeared on "Fox & Friends" to discuss the changes. "This is a chance to reset and favor free expression," Kaplan said. "We’re committed to allowing more open discourse."
Meta’s fact-checking program began after the 2016 election to tackle misinformation. Executives now say it largely responded to "political pressure" and has become biased. "It’s clear there’s too much political bias in what they choose to fact-check," Kaplan told Fox News Digital.
The fact-checking system is being replaced with a Community Notes model. "This lets users add commentary to content," Kaplan explained. "If a note gains support across users, it becomes visible to everyone." He called this approach less biased and more community-driven.
Meta is also revising its content moderation rules, particularly those seen as "too restrictive" on sensitive topics like immigration and gender. "We want free discourse without fear of censorship," Kaplan stated. He said rule enforcement is being adjusted to better support free expression.
Automated moderation systems have been another issue. "They make too many mistakes and remove content that doesn’t even violate standards," Kaplan admitted. Still, Meta will continue moderating posts on terrorism, drugs, and child exploitation.
Timing for these changes aligns with the incoming Trump administration. "There’s less pressure now to censor and more support for free expression," Kaplan said. "It’s a return to the values Meta was built on."
Kaplan also highlighted opportunities to partner with the Trump administration. "We share goals in promoting American business and advancing technological leadership," he said. "We’re excited to collaborate on these efforts."