Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have urged Meta, the social media company founded by Mark Zuckerberg, to reverse its decision to roll back fact-checking policies in the US. The couple, known for speaking out about misinformation on social media and online bullying, published an open letter expressing their concerns.
According to the Sussexes, Meta’s policy change would allow “hate, lies, and division” to spread on its platforms, undermining free speech. They criticized the company’s decision to cut third-party fact-checking in favor of community notes, which they said would ultimately silence speech and expression rather than foster it.
The couple also took aim at Meta’s apparent link with President-elect Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, suggesting that the company was influenced by his victory when making its policy change. They argued that this decision could lead to users encountering more controversial content on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
Mark Zuckerberg’s company claims that loosening its fact-checking program would promote free speech by lifting restrictions on certain topics and taking a more personalized approach to political content. However, the Sussexes disagree, stating that Meta is prioritizing “ego or profit” over responsibility to ensure power is not abused.
The couple’s concerns come as Meghan Markle returned to Instagram earlier this month after an absence since 2020. Her new Netflix documentary, “With Love, Meghan,” will now be released on March 4 rather than January 15 due to the ongoing devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/prince-harry-meghan-markle-meta-scrapping-fact-checking-mark-zuckerberg-2025-1