Meta Ends U.S. Fact-Checking and Introduces Viral Content Bonuses

Meta's policy changes could amplify misinformation by incentivizing viral posts while replacing fact-checking with user-generated Community Notes.

Meta is phasing out its U.S.-based third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a Community Notes system for user-added context on posts.
The company has reintroduced a monetization program that rewards creators for viral content, raising concerns about incentivizing misleading or false posts.
Meta's previous policy of blocking monetization for fact-checked false content will no longer apply, potentially enabling hoax content to generate revenue.
ProPublica identified 95 Facebook pages posting false or divisive content, many managed overseas, with a collective audience of over 7.7 million followers.
Experts warn that the changes may reduce safeguards against misinformation, with the Community Notes system unproven and requiring significant resources to scale effectively.