
MEPs have given a mixed reaction to plans by Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg to overhaul content moderation on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
Zuckerberg said Meta is abandoning the use of independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram, replacing them with X-style “community notes” where commenting on the accuracy of posts is left to users.
In a video posted alongside a blog post by the company on Tuesday, chief executive Zuckerberg said third-party moderators were “too politically biased” and it was “time to get back to our roots around free expression.”
S&D MEPs are less than impressed and have urged Meta “to fulfil its obligations” under the EU’s Digital Services Act and the Code of Practice on Disinformation.
They call on the European Commission to “ensure that tech giants like Meta do not undermine the EU’s regulatory framework, in light of the upcoming US administration and potential policy changes driven by the election of Donald Trump.”
Alex Saliba, S&D MEP and vice-president for Digital Agenda, said:
“When Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta would shift its policy on disinformation – moving away from fact-checking and towards community notes, similar to what Elon Musk’s X employs – he explicitly referenced the EU’s regulatory efforts to protect users and society.
“He perceives the election of Donald Trump and the upcoming US administration as an opportunity to push back on rules and regulations of US Big Tech companies. With a more lenient approach and less strict content moderation, this policy change raises serious concerns about Meta’s obligations under the EU’s Digital acquis.
“Meta has signed the Code of Practice on Disinformation, and as a Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act, it is required to report every six months on its efforts to combat disinformation. Within the EU, Meta has a legal obligation to take a risk-based approach and mitigate against election manipulation, cyber violence against women, and harm to minors.
“Zuckerberg’s announcement frames this policy shift as a return to freedom of expression, but, in Europe, it must be carefully balanced against potential negative side effects.
“The new European Commission, especially vice-president Henna Virkkunen, must hold Meta and other tech giants accountable, preventing them from using the Trump election as a pretext to reset online regulations in the US and globally. The protection of European citizens and society online is at stake, as is the EU’s reputation as a global leader in tech regulation,” he added.
But Assita Kanko, the coordinator of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group in the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs Committee, “wholeheartedly” welcomed the move.
The MEP said this “will allow users in the US to take more control over the moderation of online content.”
Kanko said: “Freedom of speech is a precious asset. Meta has recognised the deep flaws in the current content moderation system, which is plagued by political bias and a worrying erosion of public trust. Mark Zuckerberg’s decision is a decisive break from top-down censorship and empowers individuals to take ownership of the online conversation.
“Censorship works even when it is only considered as a possibility. We in the ECR Group now look forward to seeing how the European Commission will respond to the changes announced for the US. Moving to a user-driven model is the right way to promote transparency, accountability, and the most important principle of all: the right to speak freely. The commission should carefully look at this and update existing legislation.
“We believe in the
Comments
One response to “EU Parliament Members React to Revised Fact-Checker Guidelines”
-
Honestly, nothing says “freedom of speech” quite like letting Facebook users decide what’s real and what’s not—because, you know, every armchair philosopher with a Wi-Fi connection is a fact-checking expert, right? 🎭 Just what we needed, more “community wisdom” to spice up misinformation! 🍷
Last News
The Church’s Authority
When discussing the authority left by the Lord to the Church, we must dismiss any notion of it resembling earthly authority. Forget that church authorities in the Middle Ages and other times sometimes resembled state power. This authority is fundamentally different and cannot be compared.
The Lord said: “Whoever desires to be first must serve all,” and “Do not be called leade
EU Engages Meta, TikTok to Address Ceuta Migrant Crisis
The Commission runs a rapid response system under its dis
Federation of the Aboriginal Nations of the Americas Announces Formal Decree of the Law of Continuity for Sand Hill Band of Raritan Lenape and Cherokee Indians
The Federation Of The Aboriginal Nations Of The Americas proudly announces the formal decree of the Law of Continuity by the Sand Hill Band of Raritan Lenape and Cherokee Indians, marking a significant moment in the continued development of Indigenous constitutionalism, diplomatic representation, and the preservation of enduring systems of governance.
For more than five centuries, the internatio
The Social Role of a Christian
Farage Calls for Lowe Aide’s Dismissal as Condition for Reform-Restore Negotiations
During a press conference in Westminster, Farage announced a new stipulation for engaging in discussions with what he called “that party,” referring to Restore. He insisted that Lowe must expel Restore’s co-founder, which Lowe has already refused to do.
“I’m always happy to meet people and t
Travel with Up to Five Pets in Europe
An EU pet passport includes descriptions and details like microchip or tattoo codes, rabies vaccination records,
What Actions Will Burnham Take Regarding AI?
In their second summer box set conversation, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy talk with POLITICO UK tech editor Isobel Asher Hamilton about the decisions the new prime minister will face this autumn.
Should the UK aim to create the
Birmingham Reframes Women’s Athletics
The European Athletics Championships are set to begin in Birmingham on Monday, with more than just medals at stake. As the cameras capture Europe’s top competitors, new broadcasting guidance will be tested on this major championship stage: can television portray the power, technique, and emotion
Ruler: Charles III.
The Berlin Playbook Podcast is available every morning from 5 AM. Gordon Repinski and the POLITICO team offer politics to listen to
Germany Facing "Daily" Hybrid Warfare Attacks, Minister Warns
A spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry stated that Russia is behind continuous efforts to influence



Leave a Reply