Meta is set to launch its “Community Notes” feature on March 18, shifting from third-party fact-checking to a crowd-sourced moderation approach on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
Announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg in January, the initiative mirrors X’s (formerly Twitter) system, allowing users to write and rate contextual notes on content. Around 200,000 U.S.-based contributors have already signed up.
Meta emphasised that notes will only be published when contributors with differing viewpoints agree on their helpfulness. Unlike traditional fact-checked posts, flagged content will not face distribution penalties.
The company plans a gradual rollout, testing the system before wider implementation.
Initially, notes will be limited to 500 characters, require supporting links, and be available in six U.S. languages. Meta aims for a global rollout but will retain third-party fact-checking outside the U.S. for now.
The move follows criticism from conservatives who accused Meta of stifling their voices under the guise of combating misinformation, a claim fact-checkers reject. The shift also aligns with Meta’s recent relaxation of content moderation policies.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned that reducing fact-checking could worsen online hate and misinformation.
