Meta Announces U.S. Testing for Community Notes

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, announced on Thursday that it will begin testing its new Community Notes feature in the United States starting March 18, 2025.

This marks a major shift in its content moderation strategy, moving away from third-party fact-checking to a crowd-sourced model powered by an open-source algorithm originally developed by Elon Musk’s X.

Key Highlights

• End of Fact-Checking Program: Meta scrapped its third-party fact-checking initiative in January 2025, citing a shift toward free speech and community-driven moderation.
• Pressure from Conservatives: The decision followed criticism from conservative groups, who argued that the fact-checking program was biased.
• Algorithm Origin: The new Community Notes feature is based on technology developed by Elon Musk’s X, emphasizing transparency and open-source collaboration.

Read Also: Meta Launches Community Notes to Social Platforms

Background

Meta’s fact-checking program was introduced in 2016 to combat misinformation after the U.S. presidential election.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributed the change to a “cultural tipping point” favoring free speech, influenced by Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory.

Reactions

Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of social media platforms, praised Meta’s decision, suggesting it may have been influenced by his prior warnings to the company.

Meta’s move aligns with broader debates over content moderation and free speech, as the company seeks to balance transparency with accountability.