Meta’s decision to end its third-party fact-checking programme is raising questions about the future of misinformation management on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
The move, announced by the company’s founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday, shifts responsibility for identifying and addressing false information from professional fact-checkers to a new crowdsourced system called Community Notes, sparking debate over that system's effectiveness.
Why is Meta ending fact-checking?
Meta says the move is aimed at promoting free expression and reducing accusations of bias in content moderation.
"The fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created, especially in the US," Mr Zuckerberg said. Notably, his announcement follows years of criticism directed at Meta for its failure to effectively address hate speech, disinformation, and other problematic content on Facebook and Instagram.
But while Meta claims the change will boost open dialogue and ensure impartiality in content moderation, some industry experts have questioned its ability to effectively combat misinformation. They warned that relying on user-driven moderation could allow misinformation to go unchecked.
Why have fact-checkers criticised Meta's decision?
Fact-checking company Full Fact, which has participated in Meta’s third-party fact-checking programme since January 2019, said the move was “disappointing and a backward step that risks a chilling effect around the world”. From safeguarding elections to protecting public health and dissipating potential unrest on the streets, fact-checkers are first responders in the information environment, Chris Morris, chief executive of Full Fact, said.
“We absolutely refute Meta's charge of bias – we are strictly impartial, fact-check claims from all political stripes with equal rigour and hold those in power to account through our commitment to truth,” Mr Morris said. While working with Meta, Full Fact has checked images, videos and articles on Meta platforms and received income depending on the amount of fact-checking. It discloses all funding it receives exceeding £5,000 ($6,177) and claims it is editorially independent with no interference from funders.
How will the Community Notes system work?
The new community notes system relies on user-driven contributions to address misinformation. It allows platform users to add context or corrections to potentially misleading posts. However, for a note to appear publicly, contributors with diverse viewpoints must agree on its accuracy.
This approach ensures that the added information represents a consensus and avoids bias towards one-sided perspectives, Meta said. The Elon Musk-owned X, previously called Twitter, launched its Community Notes feature, originally called Birdwatch, in January 2021 for content moderation.
What does the change mean for Meta?
The move could support the California-based company's efforts to move away from allegations of censorship while balancing free speech with accountability.
Taylor Barkley, director of public policy at the Washington-based Abundance Institute, said the change represents “solid moves” by Meta. “During our year of tracking AI-generated election material, it was clear that a Community Notes system worked well at moderating content … it won't be perfect, but adapting new systems to more speech is the right move," he said.
Community notes are more trusted by users than professional fact-checkers providing misinformation labels, said John Katsos, a professor at the American University of Sharjah. “Academic research has shown the trust persists regardless of the user’s political persuasion. User trust is the key currency for social media platforms, so this is a logical step by Meta, ” Mr Katsos told The National.
“One potential problem is that stories from volatile regions are likely to get community notes put on them that are disproportionately from people with no real local knowledge of the setting, giving more control over the narrative to a much smaller number of users.”
However, some industry experts argued that by moving the responsibility for accuracy to its users, Meta has raised concerns about the system's effectiveness, speed and ability to tackle harmful content. Without professional oversight, the company is relying on crowd consensus to combat misinformation, a strategy that may prove inadequate against the rapid spread of fake stories and propaganda.
Fact-checking: vital yet vulnerable
Fact-checking, when done well, is a professional activity with standards, accountability and set procedures, but it has been too dependent on big-tech funding, experts say. “This vulnerability is exposed with Meta’s irresponsible shutdown of its fact-checking support programmes,” said Claes de Vreese, professor of artificial intelligence and society at the University of Amsterdam.
“Fact-checking is an important part of the information ecosystem. Removing it from the Meta universe is a step in the wrong direction and does not contribute to being compliant with EU regulations.”
This decision could also spark reactions from other regions, such as Europe. “Misinformation doesn’t respect borders, so European fact-checkers will be closely examining this development to understand what it means for our shared information environment,” Mr Morris said. Mr Vreese stressed that Community Notes possesses distinct qualities, but lacks the core features that make fact-checking effective and reliable.
Why is Meta moving its content analysis team to Texas?
Meta has also announced plans to relocate its content-review teams from California to Texas, a move it claimed will bring more diverse perspectives to its moderation policies. However, the company did not disclose the number of employees it will move to Texas. Meta’s relationship with Texas has been strained – it was forced to pay a $1.4 billion fine last July to settle a lawsuit over the collection of users' biometric data in the state.
Meta will not be the first such company to move to Texas. In July, Mr Musk announced plans to relocate X's headquarters from San Francisco to Texas. In December 2020, Oracle also announced the relocation of its headquarters from Redwood City, California, to Austin, Texas.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness'
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More on animal trafficking
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap | US$135,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres
Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap | $135,000 (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Ekhtiyaar, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
7.40pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (T) | 2,000m
Winner: Spotify, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: UAE Oakes | Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile | Group 2 | $250,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Mythical Image, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.20pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,600m
Winner: Major Partnership, Kevin Stott, Saeed bin Suroor
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Top 5 concerns globally:
1. Unemployment
2. Spread of infectious diseases
3. Fiscal crises
4. Cyber attacks
5. Profound social instability
Top 5 concerns in the Mena region
1. Energy price shock
2. Fiscal crises
3. Spread of infectious diseases
4. Unmanageable inflation
5. Cyber attacks
Source: World Economic Foundation
More from Neighbourhood Watch
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More on Quran memorisation:
The%20specs
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The five pillars of Islam
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Yemen's Bahais and the charges they often face
The Baha'i faith was made known in Yemen in the 19th century, first introduced by an Iranian man named Ali Muhammad Al Shirazi, considered the Herald of the Baha'i faith in 1844.
The Baha'i faith has had a growing number of followers in recent years despite persecution in Yemen and Iran.
Today, some 2,000 Baha'is reside in Yemen, according to Insaf.
"The 24 defendants represented by the House of Justice, which has intelligence outfits from the uS and the UK working to carry out an espionage scheme in Yemen under the guise of religion.. aimed to impant and found the Bahai sect on Yemeni soil by bringing foreign Bahais from abroad and homing them in Yemen," the charge sheet said.
Baha'Ullah, the founder of the Bahai faith, was exiled by the Ottoman Empire in 1868 from Iran to what is now Israel. Now, the Bahai faith's highest governing body, known as the Universal House of Justice, is based in the Israeli city of Haifa, which the Bahais turn towards during prayer.
The Houthis cite this as collective "evidence" of Bahai "links" to Israel - which the Houthis consider their enemy.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The years Ramadan fell in May
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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