Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, has announced it will phase out third-party fact-checking programs across its platforms. Instead, it plans to introduce a community-driven system, similar to X’s (formerly Twitter) Community Notes, where users can add context and corrections to flagged posts.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the shift as a commitment to free expression, addressing concerns over bias in traditional fact-checking methods. Critics warn that the new approach may lead to an increase in misinformation.
In response to Meta’s policy changes, PMnews Malta has announced it will end its boycott of Facebook and return to the platform. The online newspaper had been banned twice from Facebook, arguing at the time that the bans were unjustified, discriminatory, and a violation of journalistic principles. Despite multiple attempts to contact Facebook for clarification, PMnews Malta reported that it never received a response.
This decision comes as Meta enacts broader policy changes, including relocating moderation teams to Texas, easing restrictions on sensitive topics, and focusing on severe content violations. PMnews Malta has expressed cautious optimism about Meta’s new direction, hoping it will foster a more equitable environment for journalism.
