French diplomacy expresses its “ worry » following the sudden change of direction at Meta. In a video published on January 7, Mark Zuckerberg announced several measures related to moderation on his various platforms, with the objective of preparing for the presidency of Donald Trump.
End of fact-checking
Among them, we find the end of fact-checking in the United States. This practice aims to verify the accuracy of information, statements or facts reported by professionals.
“ After Trump’s election in 2016, mainstream media wrote relentlessly that disinformation was a threat to democracy. We have tried in good faith to address these concerns without becoming the arbiters of truth, but the fact-checkers have simply demonstrated too much political bias and have destroyed more trust than they have created, by especially in the United States », Explained the boss of Facebook and Instagram.
It will finally opt for a feature allowing users to add notes to publicationslike what was put in place on a certain Moreover, Elon Musk’s platform is in the sights of the European Commission for, precisely, having put an end to fact-checking on its social network.
Different concepts of freedom of expression
This does not prevent the authorities from being concerned about Mark Zuckerberg’s announcements. “ Freedom of expression, a fundamental right protected in France and in Europe, cannot be confused with a right to virality which would authorize the dissemination of inauthentic content affecting millions of users without filter or moderation. », declared the spokesperson for French diplomacy.
At the same time, Meta launched a study to assess the risks of its new measure, in accordance with the requirements of the DSA. “ They assured us that they intended to respect our rules and that they had this impact study, which is underway, in mind. », Specified Clara Chappaz, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital.
Meta is inspired by X
In addition to the end of fact-checking across the Atlantic, Meta has also decided to modify its moderation policy to highlight the concept of absolute freedom of expressionvery dear to Elon Musk. With this in mind, the company will move its dedicated teams from California to Texas.
These measures risk leaving the door open to the proliferation of false information, especially with the rise of AI, which Meta continues to integrate directly into the user experience.
- French diplomacy expresses its concerns following the end of fact-checking on Meta.
- For its part, the company ensures that it complies with European law in implementing this new measure.
- For the moment, Europe is not concerned, this decision only concerns the United States.
