Meta Drops Fact-Checking Program and Loosens Content Moderation Rules in 2025 Update

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a major overhaul of its content moderation rules, signaling a significant shift in how it handles online speech. This change follows criticisms that its previous policies contributed to the spread of political and health misinformation. In a blog post titled "More speech, fewer mistakes," Joel Kaplan, Meta’s new Chief Global Affairs Officer, outlined key updates, including the Meta fact-checking removal and adjustments to the company’s content moderation rules.

One of the most notable changes is the end of Meta's third-party fact-checking program. In place of this, Meta will adopt a Community Notes model, a system that allows users to collaboratively add context to posts, similar to the approach used by platforms like X.com. This shift marks a significant update to Meta’s fact-checking policies, replacing traditional fact-checking with user-driven content moderation.

Additionally, Meta is loosening its restrictions on "mainstream discourse topics," focusing enforcement only on the most severe violations, such as terrorism, child exploitation, and fraud. This means Meta drops content rules around many political and health-related discussions, effectively allowing more freedom in users' feeds. As part of this, Meta will also encourage users to personalize their political content, leading to a more tailored, potentially more partisan experience for individuals. These Meta content moderation changes are aimed at creating a platform where users can engage more freely with a wider array of opinions and perspectives.

These updates come as the U.S. prepares for a new presidential administration, with Meta’s policy shifts aligning with broader conversations about free speech in the digital age. The company’s decision to revise its approach to fact-checking removal news has drawn attention, particularly from those who believe that past moderation decisions were either too restrictive or politically biased. Meta’s decision to loosen moderation rules reflects its desire to embrace more diverse political views and opinions on its platforms.

Meta policy updates for 2025 suggest a move toward less interventionist approaches, focusing more on allowing users to manage what they see and express, rather than strictly controlling content. Meta has acknowledged that its earlier content moderation systems had flaws, with Kaplan noting that the company’s over-enforcement of rules sometimes led to the removal of legitimate political debate and trivial content that didn’t violate any policies. Fact-checking updates are expected to reflect a more scalable and balanced approach, aiming to enhance trust and free speech across Meta’s platforms.

The Meta fact-checking removal and policy changes are also notable for their timing, coinciding with shifts in Meta’s leadership. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed interest in collaborating with the incoming U.S. administration, and the company recently appointed three new board members, including UFC head Dana White, a supporter of President-elect Trump. These Meta social media policies are indicative of the company’s evolving relationship with both the political landscape and the regulation of online speech.

As Meta moves toward a more hands-off approach to content moderation, the Meta content moderation rules and the broader shifts in how it manages speech online are likely to continue to spark debate about the role of platforms in shaping public discourse.