Meta’s move to end fact-checking is ‘transformative,’ but won’t protect against legal action, experts say

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to end Facebook’s work with third-party fact-checkers and ease some content restrictions has been described as a potentially transformative moment for the platform by experts. However, despite these changes, it is unlikely that Meta will be shielded from legal liability in ongoing court proceedings.

Zuckerberg announced the updates in a video, stating that the previous content restrictions on Facebook and Instagram had “gone too far” and had allowed for political bias from outside fact-checkers. Meta will now implement a “Community Notes” program, similar to the approach taken by Elon Musk’s social media platform X, in an effort to simplify policies and prioritize free expression on their platforms.

While the decision was praised by President-elect Donald Trump, it is unlikely to alleviate Meta’s legal troubles. The company is facing a multibillion-dollar class action lawsuit related to a privacy scandal involving Cambridge Analytica, as well as ongoing investigations by Republican-led committees in Congress.

Law professor Jonathan Turley believes that Meta’s legal challenges will persist, especially with the conservative majority in the Supreme Court likely to be unsympathetic to the company’s arguments regarding First Amendment protections and free speech rights. The public scrutiny resulting from House investigations and litigation is expected to reveal more details about Meta’s actions, particularly in cases related to political censorship.

Despite the challenges ahead, Turley sees the potential for Zuckerberg’s alliance with Musk as a turning point in the fight over free speech. He believes that this partnership could be transformative and welcomes Zuckerberg’s stance on prioritizing free expression.

In conclusion, while Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program and ease content restrictions may mark a significant shift for the platform, the company’s legal troubles are far from over. The ongoing litigation and investigations are likely to continue to expose Meta’s actions and decisions, potentially shaping the future of online free speech and expression.