Meta's Community Notes To Replace Third-Party Fact Checkers

Meta Platforms Inc. META is making major changes to its fact-checking system.

As part of the company’s pivot towards a more community-driven approach, Meta will discontinue its third-party fact-checking program in favor of the “Community Notes” system.

This change, set to begin on March 18, 2025, will be tested in the United States, allowing users to write and rate notes on content across Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

Meta's new program will feature input from approximately 200,000 users who have already enrolled, with additional spots available through an open waitlist.

At first, notes will not be visible on content as Meta tests the system prior to a full launch. Though users will rate Community Notes, in order to maintain diverse perspectives comments will only be published if they receive approval from individuals with contrasting viewpoints.

Meta’s Community Notes system is based on a concept similar to Twitter’s, where users provide additional context for posts.

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In this case, contributors can submit notes up to 500 characters long, with a supporting link for validation.

Meta seeks to minimize bias by involving a wider range of users in providing context, shifting away from the constraints of third-party fact-checkers.

The previous system often showed political biases, but the new approach encourages participation from individuals with diverse perspectives, promoting fairness.

Unlike the old system, posts with notes will not face penalties or have their reach reduced on Meta’s platforms.

Meta is adopting a cautious strategy, planning to refine the algorithm as the Community Notes system evolves. While the program will initially target the U.S., Meta intends to expand it globally, keeping third-party fact-checkers in place in regions where the program has not yet been introduced.

After full implementation, new fact-checking labels will no longer be applied to U.S. content, although fact-checkers will still have the option to participate as contributors.

Meta Platforms stock has gained more than 25% in the past 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Vanguard Communication Services ETF VOX and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund XLC.

Price Action: META shares traded lower by 0.09% at $618.95 in premarket at last check Thursday.

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