Mark Zuckerberg Loosens Strict Content Moderation Policies on Facebook and Instagram

In a major shift in Meta's content moderation policies, the company has updated its standards on Facebook and Instagram to permit characterizations of LGBTQ+ identities as a "mental illness," citing an allowance for political and religious discourse. Previously, such characterizations were prohibited under Meta's hate content policies, which protected characteristics like race and gender identity. The revision introduced by Meta also outlines the termination of their fact-checking program, replacing it with user-generated "community notes." This is prepared by SSP.

Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, outlined these broad changes in a video announcement, emphasizing a return to upholding free expression despite admitting the new approach could lead to more harmful content appearing on the platforms. This pivot has stirred considerable discontent among Meta employees, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, with reports of internal shock and a damaging blow to morale. Zuckerberg explained that this move aligns more with mainstream discourse, avoiding excessive restrictions on topics like immigration and gender.

In addition to abolishing third-party fact-checkers in favor of community-driven content checks—a method inspired by Elon Musk's approach on X (formerly Twitter)—the company is taking a significant step back in content control. This allows more conservative voices on their platforms, ahead of Trump's anticipated increase in power when he assumes the presidency. Entrenched political biases were cited as a reason for discontinuing the fact-checking partnerships, purportedly paving the way for free expression.

Further adjustments include relaxing automated systems to focus on severe issues such as terrorism and scams, while a broader moderation rollback will empower users to flag inappropriate content. The recalibration seeks to minimize unintentional censorship of lawful expressions, recognizing that automated errors, even at minuscule rates, can affect millions. Meanwhile, Meta will transfer departments responsible for policy from California to diverse U.S. locations, aiming to counter perceptions of bias among its teams. Despite criticism suggesting a sway toward political pandering, Meta upholds that these powerful changes reflect genuine efforts in recalibrating free speech, albeit acknowledging the evident trade-offs between expression and potential harmful content on its platforms.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Brandon Routh and Courtney Ford addressed divorce after 17 years of marriage.