Meta’s Policy Changes Raise Regulatory Concerns Across Europe

Meta has announced the removal of professional fact-checkers from its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, The Guardian reported yesterday.

The updated guidelines now allow users to use derogatory terms for transgender individuals and permit allegations related to mental health based on gender or sexual orientation.

This shift has sparked significant concern among lawmakers in the UK and EU, who argue it undermines protections against misinformation. There are fears that the reliance on user-generated content moderation could lead to increased exposure to harmful material, particularly for younger users.

The European Commission has countered claims of censorship associated with its Digital Services Act, clarifying that it does not require the removal of lawful content. If these policy changes are applied in Europe, Meta could face substantial regulatory scrutiny regarding its content moderation practices and the potential spread of misinformation.