Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is set to launch its Community Notes fact-checking program on March 18, 2025. Inspired by Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), this initiative will rely on user-generated fact-checking rather than traditional verification methods.
Why Meta Discontinued Its Fact-Checking Program
Meta initially launched fact-checking in 2016 to combat misinformation, collaborating with over 100 organizations in more than 60 languages. However, in January 2025, the company shut down its official program, citing concerns over political bias. CEO Mark Zuckerberg argued that traditional fact-checkers had become partisan, a claim that drew criticism from media experts who warned that misinformation could spread unchecked.
How Community Notes Works
Meta’s Community Notes system will allow users to add context to posts, similar to X’s model. Key aspects include:
- U.S. users can apply to contribute, with approvals granted gradually.
- Contributors can write and rate notes, but these will only be published if users with diverse viewpoints agree on their accuracy.
- Unlike the previous program, misleading posts won’t have reduced visibility but will instead be supplemented with additional context.
Global Expansion Plans
The U.S. launch begins on March 18, but fact-checking partnerships will remain active outside the country. Meta plans to expand Community Notes globally, though no specific timeline has been announced.
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