Meta Tests Crowd-Sourced Fact-Checking Program
Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta Platforms Inc. has announced plans to begin testing its crowd-sourced fact-checking program, Community Notes, starting March 18.
The initial focus of the test will be on a ratings system used by Elon Musk's X, but ultimately, the aim is to create a platform where users can contribute and rate notes about online content. The goal, according to Meta, is to provide a more collaborative approach to fact-checking.
Background: Fact-Checking Program Ends
In January, Meta ended its fact-checking program, citing concerns that the efforts had become "politically biased." CEO Mark Zuckerberg made this announcement, using some of the language conservatives have long used to criticize his platforms.
However, media experts and those who study social media expressed shock at Meta's decision. Critics argued that ending the fact-checking program would remove a valuable resource for users and provide legitimacy to a popular disinformation narrative – namely, that fact-checking is politically biased.
Criticism from Experts
Dan Evon, lead writer for RumorGuard, a digital tool by the News Literacy Project, emphasized the importance of fact-checkers. "They provide a valuable service by adding important context to viral claims that mislead and misinform millions of users on Meta," he said.
Evon also highlighted the significance of fact-checking programs in combating misinformation. He noted that Meta began its fact-checking efforts in December 2016, after President Donald Trump was elected, as a response to criticism about "fake news" spreading on their platforms.
AP Ends Participation
The Associated Press had ended its participation in Meta's fact-checking program over a year ago. Despite this, the AP continued to emphasize the importance of fact-checking and combating misinformation.
Community Notes: A New Approach
Community Notes will replace fact checks on Meta platforms. Initially, potential contributors in the U.S. can sign up for the program, but their notes won't appear immediately. Meta plans to test the writing and rating system before publishing any notes publicly.
The key difference between Community Notes and traditional fact-checking is that posts with Community Notes won't be penalized. In contrast, fact checks often reduced the distribution of posts determined to be misinformation.
Global Rollout Planned
META plans to roll out Community Notes worldwide, although this may take time. Meanwhile, fact-checking efforts will continue outside of the U.S., with a focus on other regions and languages.
Community Engagement
The testing phase for Community Notes is expected to be gradual and random, allowing Meta to assess its effectiveness before fully implementing it. The ratings system used by Elon Musk's X will serve as the foundation for this new approach.
META is committed to ensuring that Community Notes provides a platform where users with diverse viewpoints can contribute and rate notes about online content. The goal is to create a more collaborative environment, leveraging user engagement to combat misinformation effectively.