Meta changes fact-checking rules on Facebook and Instagram: what's changing.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, has announced a significant overhaul of its content moderation policies. Among the most notable changes is the elimination of its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, with the introduction of a new system based on “community notes,” similar to that adopted by X (formerly Twitter).

Zuckerberg's message

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, explained the change in a lengthy social media post, noting that fact-checkers have “undermined trust” among users because of their political bias. “What started as a movement to be more inclusive has increasingly been used to silence opinions and exclude people with different views,” Zuckerberg said.

The new policies include simplifying content rules, removing restrictions on sensitive topics like immigration and gender. However, Zuckerberg acknowledged that this openness could lead to more harmful content on the platform.

A turning point linked to the Trump administration?

The moderation policy overhaul was announced at the start of the new Trump administration, which welcomed the move. “I think Meta has come a long way, man, it’s impressive,” Trump said, referring to Zuckerberg. Elon Musk, CEO of X, added a laconic “Cool” in reaction to the news.

Meta’s newly appointed chief of global affairs and Republican-friendly Joel Kaplan said the partnerships with third-party fact-checkers were “well-intentioned” but showed too much political bias. Meta’s board of directors also includes Dana White, the UFC boss and longtime Trump ally.

What will change for users?

In the United States, the fact-checking program will be replaced by “community notes,” while in the European Union, for now, there will be no changes. Zuckerberg said the goal is to foster an environment where users feel free to express their opinions, reducing the impact of policies that have so far excluded different views.

Collaboration with Trump and clash with censorship

Zuckerberg announced that Meta will work closely with the Trump administration to counter censorship pressure from governments around the world, particularly Europe, which is accused of adopting laws that institutionalize censorship. He also criticized the Biden administration for its alleged pressure to limit free speech online.

“China has censored our apps, and in Latin America there are secret courts that can silently order the removal of content,” Zuckerberg said, emphasizing the importance of the U.S. government’s support for defending free expression.

Return of political content

Meta plans to reintroduce political content, which was previously restricted by user consent. It also will move two key business teams from California to the Republican-dominated state of Texas, chosen for its lower perceived political bias.

This move marks a significant shift for Meta, which is abandoning a more restrictive approach in favor of greater freedom of expression. It remains to be seen how this new strategy will impact the platform's reputation and the global landscape of content moderation.