Copyright is subject to Money Control Fact-Checking Ends at META: A Blow to Media Integrity Under Trump
As the Trump administration takes office amidst META’s controversial policy changes, our vigilance in media consumption becomes paramount. This inauguration day, we examine META’s recent decision to end third-party fact-checking. This could fundamentally alter the integrity of global media, affecting not just American users but also communities worldwide.
As META implements policy revisions targeted at the U.S. market, RNW Media highlights the global risks of such changes, especially for public interest media in global majority countries. META’s decision to discontinue third-party fact-checking on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, alongside relaxed content moderation policies, will likely deepen vulnerabilities in regions where information integrity is already under threat. This shift presents significant challenges for initiatives like El Toque’s AI-powered Fact-Checking Project, supported by RNW Media’s Innovation Fund, which is crucial for maintaining accurate and inclusive ecosystems.
The Overlooked Domino Effect
META’s localized decisions impact beyond just one region. In global majority countries, where digital platforms like Facebook often serve as primary news outlets, this policy change weakens defenses against misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. Without effective fact-checking, false narratives such as electoral misinformation and harmful health-related rumors can spread unchecked, threatening the stability of already fragile societies.
“It is a disappointment and concern,” stated Aws Al-Saadi, Advisory Board Member of the International Fact-Checking Network. “This decision undermines global efforts to combat misinformation. For the MENA region, the impact is significant due to ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, and northern Iraq. We relied heavily on organizations like Fatabyyano and AFP. Ukraine, by comparison, has nine active organizations.”
RNW Media has seen the effects of weakened media ecosystems and emphasizes that platforms like Facebook are lifelines for marginalized voices and accountability tools. Their inclusive and ethical content moderation practices aim to foster safe and respectful dialogue, encouraging diverse voices to express themselves freely.
Strengthening Media Resilience and Governance
Public interest media, vital to open societies, are under severe threat due to decreasing funds and increasing political and market pressures. META’s withdrawal from active fact-checking significantly aggravates these challenges, highlighting the need for more than just dialogue—there is a critical need for actionable investments in local media initiatives. RNW Media is at the forefront of this effort, supporting projects that enhance media resilience. For example, in Latin America, our partners employ rapid verification techniques to effectively counter misinformation.
Moreover, META’s retreat from fact-checking brings to light the urgent need for greater accountability and transparency in tech governance. The increasing dominance of tech giants over media and advertising, coupled with the misuse of copyrights, demands stringent tech regulations to safeguard online human rights. These measures are essential not just for protecting the integrity of information but also for ensuring that public interest media can continue to serve as the bedrock of democracy.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Responsible Action
The path forward requires recognizing the interconnected nature of digital platforms and their global impact. META’s policies do not exist in a vacuum and often amplify existing inequalities. We have previously seen positive changes in META’s advertising and moderation policies through collaborative efforts. Now, we urge META to respect and optimize existing channels for meaningful dialogue and to reconsider its stance on fact-checking and local journalism support.
As Trump’s inauguration unfolds, META’s decisions may seem like a nod to new beginnings but could prove detrimental. This week’s migration of nearly a million ‘TikTok refugees’ to platforms like RedNote, bypassing META’s services, signals a wake-up call about the platform’s declining trust.
“Public trust in META will likely decline, as this decision signals a reduced commitment to combating misinformation,” Aws noted.
In this critical moment, we call upon all stakeholders—media, tech firms, donors, policymakers—to support initiatives that strengthen independent journalism and safeguard public interest media against the unintended consequences of corporate decisions.
META’s politically motivated decision, framed as a defense of free speech, stands contrary to constitutional principles and threatens the very essence of free expression across all parties and demographics. This decision not only risks the brand’s reputation but also, more importantly, the integrity of information crucial to democratic engagement.”
