Internet Fact-checking program: Meta submits report to Brussels
Shortly after announcing the end of the fact-checking program on the Facebook and Instagram platforms in the USA, the parent company Meta has submitted a report on this step to the EU Commission in Brussels.
09.01.2025, 03:17
SDA
This was reported to the AFP news agency on Wednesday by sources familiar with the matter. At the same time, Meta assured that the fact checks would be maintained in the EU for the time being.
There are no immediate plans to abolish third-party fact-checking in the EU, the company stated on Wednesday. Meta also stated that before making any changes for users in Europe, the company would first review its legal obligations in accordance with EU regulations.
The background to this is an announcement by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to abolish his company's fact-checking program in the USA. The independent fact-checking is to be replaced by a system of "community notes", where users can add context under a post. The Group has now informed the Commission about the procedure in the USA and the potential risks associated with it.
Abolition of fact checks legally possible in the EU
In the EU, Meta must comply with the Digital Services Act (DSA), among other things. The European rules require large digital companies to delete false information and illegal content such as glorification of terrorism or depictions of sexual violence. The laws of the member states are decisive - in Germany, for example, the dissemination of Nazi propaganda is prohibited.
However, it would be legally possible to abolish fact checks in the EU despite the stricter laws. According to Thomas Regnier, the Commission spokesperson for digital issues, third-party verification is only one of the ways to comply with the requirements from Brussels. The "community notes" announced by Zuckerberg are also theoretically a possibility - the decisive factor is whether the measures are effective.
