Mark Zuckerberg has announced that Meta will discontinue its fact-checking programme in the United States, introducing a new “Community Notes” system instead.

The system, similar to the one implemented on Elon Musk’s X, will empower users on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads to flag posts they feel need more context, thereby shifting the burden away from independent fact-checkers.

Zuckerberg said that the decision arose from concerns about biases in expert fact-checking and its effects on free expression.

“A program intended to inform too often became a tool to censor,” the company stated, admitting that its content management practices had become prone to errors and frustrating for users.

Meta has announced plans to gradually roll out its Community Notes system over the coming months, with refinements expected throughout the year.

As part of this transition, the company will cease the practice of demoting content that has been fact-checked. Instead, it will replace full-screen warnings with labels that offer users additional context regarding flagged posts.

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The decision comes as Meta CEO’s intent to improve relations with the incoming administration. He noted that the recent US elections have influenced his perspective, describing them as a “cultural tipping point” that emphasizes the need to prioritize free speech.

“We’ve reached a point where it’s just too many mistakes and too much censorship. It’s time to get back to our roots around free expression,” Zuckerberg said in a video.

Meta will adjust its automated systems to focus on removing serious violations and illegal content, including terrorism and drug trafficking. The company will cease its proactive scanning for hate speech and other rule violations, choosing instead to review such content only when users report it.