Social media giant Meta significantly scaled back its content moderation policies on January 7, 2025, including ending its U.S. fact-checking program, in a major shift in line with President-elect Donald Trump’s priorities. Photo credit: AFP
Australia is deeply concerned by Meta’s decision to scrap US fact-checking operations on the Facebook and Instagram platforms, a senior minister said on Thursday (9 January 2025).
Finance Minister Jim Chalmers said the government, which has been at the forefront of efforts to rein in social media giants, was concerned about the proliferation of misinformation online.
“Misinformation and disinformation is extremely dangerous and we have seen it explode in recent years,” Chalmers told national broadcaster ABC.
“And this is a very harmful development and damaging to our democracy, as misinformation on social media can have a negative impact on people’s mental health. , of course we are concerned about that.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Tuesday (7 January 2025) that the organization would “remove fact checkers” and replace them with community-based posts, starting in the United States.
Mr Chalmers said the decision was “very concerning”.
He said the government had invested in trusted Australian news providers, including the ABC and national news agency AAP, to ensure the public had a trusted source of information.
Disinformation and misinformation “will continue to dominate our nation’s media, especially social media,” the treasurer said.
social media limits
Australia has frequently angered social media giants, particularly Elon Musk’s X Company, with its efforts to limit the distribution of content it deems misinformation or dangerous.
Late last year, the country passed a law banning anyone under the age of 16 from registering on social media platforms. Violators face fines of up to A$50 million (US$32.5 million) for “organized violations.”
But in November, a lack of support in parliament forced the government to backtrack on plans to fine social media companies if they fail to stop the spread of misinformation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday he supported banning children from accessing social media, citing the impact on children’s mental health.
Asked about Mehta’s withdrawal from fact-checking, Albanese told reporters: “I’m saying to social media that they have a social responsibility and they should fulfill that responsibility.”
Australian group Digital Rights Watch accused Meta of making a “terrible decision” and apparently acting out of respect for US President-elect Donald Trump.
AFP currently uses Facebook’s fact-checking program in 26 languages.
Facebook pays to access fact-checking from about 80 organizations around the world on its platform, not just WhatsApp and Instagram.
Australian fact-checking agency AAP Fact Check said its contracts with Meta in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region were not affected by the group’s US decision.
AAP chief executive Lisa Davis said: “Independent fact-checkers are a critical safeguard against the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation that threatens to undermine Australia’s free democratic debate and are aimed at manipulating public opinion. It is a means.”
issued – January 9, 2025 11:28am IST
