President Joe Biden has strongly criticized Meta’s move to replace its fact-checking departments with community notes. The decision, led by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has sparked significant debate over its implications for truth and accountability.
Biden: Fact-Checking Is Essential to Justice
During a press call on Friday, Biden condemned Meta’s decision, calling it “really shameful.” He expressed concern about the impact on American values and justice, emphasizing, “Telling the truth matters.” The president also highlighted the importance of addressing discrimination and maintaining transparency.
Zuckerberg defended the move, claiming the change was necessary to restore public trust and simplify policies. “The recent elections feel like a cultural tipping point towards prioritizing speech,” Zuckerberg said, explaining the shift toward free expression.
Meta Faces Backlash Amid Broader Policy Changes
Meta’s decision aligns with its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. On Friday, the company announced the dissolution of its DEI team, citing changes in the U.S. legal landscape. This step mirrors similar moves by other corporations, including Walmart and Ford.
The White House responded by urging tech companies to consider the societal impact of their actions while respecting their independence. “We believe tech companies should act responsibly to protect public health and safety,” the administration stated.
Biden and Zuckerberg Clash Over COVID-19 Content
The tensions between Biden and Zuckerberg have been building. Zuckerberg recently claimed on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast that the Biden administration had pressured Facebook to remove certain content, including satire about COVID-19. “They would call up our team, scream, and curse,” Zuckerberg said, adding that some content removals were later deemed unnecessary.
Zuckerberg admitted Facebook occasionally complied with the administration’s requests but emphasized that hindsight revealed mistakes. While defending free speech, he noted that fact-checking policies would remain strict for content crossing legal boundaries.
Misinformation Remains a Key Concern
Biden has consistently emphasized combating misinformation as a core focus of his presidency. In a recent interview, he called it his “biggest regret” that falsehoods, including those promoted by former President Donald Trump, were not sufficiently countered.
During his press call, Biden criticized Zuckerberg’s decision as irresponsible. He argued that abandoning fact-checking undermines truth and accountability. “A billionaire deciding not to fact-check millions of posts? That’s completely contrary to what America stands for,” Biden said.
