Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On January 8, 2025, Meta Platforms made a shocking announcement that reverberated around the globe: it would end its fact-checking program in the United States. This move, which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg described as necessary to “rebuild trust,” has ignited a firestorm of criticism from journalists, fact-checkers, and advocates of transparency and truth in the digital age.
Zuckerberg’s justification for this controversial decision is centered on the notion that fact-checkers have “destroyed more trust than they’ve created.” In this climate of misinformation, the question arises: what does this shift mean for the future of information, especially in an era where social media has become the primary source of news for billions?
Maria Ressa, the CEO of Rappler, a prominent news outlet in the Philippines and a leading voice in digital journalism, provided her perspective on the ramifications of Meta's announcement. In a recent interview, Ressa challenged Zuckerberg’s framing, suggesting that what he calls censorship should be better understood as a measure of safety for global users. She highlighted how Meta’s prioritization of profit over safety could have detrimental consequences for the billions of people who rely on these platforms for credible information.
Ressa’s warning is clear: while the policy change currently applies only to the U.S., “Where the US goes, it drags the world.” The impact of Meta's decision could have significant consequences far beyond the U.S. border, especially in countries like the Philippines, where misinformation has already wreaked havoc on democratic processes. As the nation gears up for its upcoming midterm elections, the absence of a fact-checking mechanism could worsen the spread of falsehoods and disinformation that erodes public trust.
The Dangers of Meta’s Shift: From Fact-Checking to Community Notes
Patrick Cruz, a fact-checker at Rappler, aptly summed up the broader consequences of Meta’s decision in his Decoded piece. He argues that Meta’s fact-checking program, despite its flaws, was the bare minimum effort the platform made to combat the overwhelming tide of misinformation and hate speech. By axing this initiative, Meta is walking away from its responsibility to safeguard truth in a space that has become increasingly dominated by lies and manipulative narratives.
In the past, fact-checkers were often targets of online attacks, particularly from political figures and their supporters who sought to undermine independent journalism. The Duterte administration in the Philippines, for example, regularly questioned the role of journalists and fact-checkers, accusing them of bias. Yet, despite these criticisms, the role of fact-checkers remains crucial. They are bound by rigorous ethical standards—such as transparency, impartiality, and accuracy—that many other online voices do not adhere to. For instance, a fact check undergoes multiple layers of editorial scrutiny before being published, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of factual integrity. In the event of a mistake, fact-checkers issue corrections, providing transparency and accountability to their audiences.
A Dangerous Gamble: Meta’s “More Speech, Fewer Mistakes” Model
Meta’s proposed solution to replace fact-checking with “community notes” raises significant concerns. Zuckerberg claimed that this would foster “more speech, fewer mistakes,” but evidence suggests otherwise. Studies have shown that community-driven platforms are often ill-equipped to effectively challenge false claims. Moreover, the complex algorithms that govern social media platforms frequently amplify misinformation, contributing to the erosion of public trust and undermining democratic processes. This was starkly evident in the aftermath of the 2022 Philippine elections, where unchecked lies and disinformation played a role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Furthermore, Zuckerberg’s assertion that fact-checkers were politically biased fails to address the broader purpose of fact-checking. While political content is certainly a focus, fact-checkers also tackle other vital issues, such as scams, health misinformation, and natural disasters—topics that directly impact public well-being. Last year alone, Rappler published 458 fact-check articles, with more than half addressing these critical issues.
Meta’s Worsening Track Record on Accountability
Meta’s move to end its fact-checking program is only the latest in a series of actions that signal its retreat from accountability. The platform’s decision to shut down CrowdTangle, a valuable tool used by journalists and researchers to track the spread of narratives, only compounds these concerns. CrowdTangle was a key resource for monitoring how misinformation spread across Meta's platforms, but its replacement lacks transparency and accessibility. This is indicative of a broader trend among tech giants to reduce their accountability in the face of mounting scrutiny.
Critics also point to Meta's growing cozy relationship with political figures like Donald Trump and tech moguls such as Elon Musk. This alignment could be a strategic move to secure political favor and evade regulatory oversight, further deepening the concerns about the platform's commitment to truth and democracy.
Looking Ahead: The Philippines and the Global Impact of Meta’s Decision
While Meta’s fact-checking program remains active in the Philippines for now, the future remains uncertain. In a country that has long struggled with the scourge of misinformation, the removal of a dedicated fact-checking initiative could lead to more unchecked lies, greater toxicity in online spaces, and an even steeper uphill battle for journalists and fact-checkers trying to uphold truth. This could ultimately undermine the democratic processes that are vital to the nation’s future.
In conclusion, Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program represents a dangerous shift in the landscape of digital information. By prioritizing profit over safety and free speech over accountability, Meta is setting a troubling precedent for how tech companies engage with truth in an age of widespread misinformation. As journalists and fact-checkers continue to navigate these challenges, the role of independent reporting has never been more critical in the fight for truth, transparency, and the preservation of democracy.
In a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts, the responsibility of safeguarding truth must remain a priority. The actions of companies like Meta will shape the future of information for generations to come—let’s hope they choose responsibility over profit, safety over convenience, and truth over political expediency.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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