The California-based company will significantly revise its content moderation guidelines and end its third-party fact-checking program, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg said on Tuesday. “We're going to get rid of the fact checkers.”
Similar to the online service He justified his decision by saying that “fact-checkers were simply too politically biased” and “particularly in the US, they destroyed more trust than they created.”
Ex-meta strategist Beeck: Zuckerberg risks digital chaos
Zuckerberg speaks of a triumph for freedom of opinion and speech. But the reality looks different. This is what Torsten Beeck writes on the “Heise” portal. Beeck was Strategic Partner Manager at Meta for three years. In his opinion, social networks like Facebook and Instagram are “not neutral” but are “driven by algorithms” that maximize interactions. Without moderation, this could lead to a “flood of disinformation, hate speech and radicalization.” Porn, abuse and drug trafficking could also increase on the platforms.
Moderation and fact checks are not perfect, but they offer a minimum level of security. If Zuckerberg removes this protection, many “users could lose trust in his platforms.” Beeck warns that without moderation, Facebook could become a “playground for trolls” and propaganda. A look at X (formerly Twitter) shows where this course can lead: chaos, stagnating user numbers and fleeing advertising customers.
Economic risks and legal consequences
Meta thrives on advertising, but companies don't want to see their ads next to hate comments or fake news. If the moderation stop poisons the environment on Facebook and Instagram, advertising customers could withdraw their budgets. Beeck emphasizes that Zuckerberg is playing with fire and putting Meta's business model at risk.
Meta is one of the most powerful communication platforms and Zuckerberg has a responsibility towards its users and society, said Beeck. “Its platforms shape public debates and influence how we communicate with one another.” Beeck criticizes that the abolition of moderation opens the door to manipulation, hatred and chaos.
