The EU Commission has threatened to fine Meta, the parent company of Facebook, if it cancels its ‘fact-checking program’ in the EU member states.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, made this announcement in a video post on Tuesday. He wrote, “It’s time for us to return to our roots around free expression. Instead of fact-checkers, we will now use Community Notes. We are simplifying our policies and focusing on reducing mistakes.”
Zuckerberg essentially mentioned reducing the use of third-party fact-checkers on Facebook and instead using Community Notes, meaning that Meta will now give more importance to user opinions in this regard. His announcement has been met with criticism in various European countries.
The EU Commission has warned Meta about taking steps such as shutting down its fact-checking program in EU countries.
EU Commission spokesperson for technology, Thomas Regnier, told the German radio station MDR that if Meta fails to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act, the tech giant could face fines. He emphasized that these large companies, no matter where they are based, must follow the rules when offering services in the EU.
Germany’s Minister of Technology, Volker Wissing, stated that he trusts the EU Commission on this matter. He mentioned that the Commission will closely monitor Meta’s actions, conduct a thorough review, and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Germany’s Green Party leader and Minister for Planning and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, said at an electoral event in Hamburg that freedom does not mean lawlessness; both should coexist. This is true for democracy, and it should also apply in the virtual space. Therefore, he cannot welcome what Zuckerberg is doing.
Germany’s Social Democratic Party Secretary General, Matthias Miers, has called Meta’s plan “dangerous.” He said that removing fact-checkers at a time when fake news and misinformation are increasing is highly risky. He emphasized that fake news is not a path to free expression; rather, it attacks our democracy.
Matthias Miers commented that Zuckerberg is about to make decisions similar to those of Elon Musk or Donald Trump. He said, “If such fact-checking programs are canceled, we will need to examine how this conflicts with our laws.”
Miers hopes that the EU Commission will closely monitor the applicable rules for fact-checking programs. Platforms like Meta or X cannot escape responsibility. We need digital platforms that protect society’s respect, information, and democracy.
