Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program in the US has not only caused a stir there, but has also sparked an intense debate in Europe. The EU Commission has made it clear that a similar measure in the European Union could have significant consequences.
The EU Commission has threatened Meta with severe consequences if the company terminates its fact-checking program in the European Union. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced that he would cease cooperation with independent fact-checkers in the US and instead introduce a new model similar to the “Community Notes” of Platform X. This decision has sparked considerable criticism in Europe and raised questions about compliance with EU digital law.
EU Commission warns of violations of the law
Thomas Regnier, spokesperson for the EU country wise email marketing list Commission for Digital Affairs, told MDR Aktuell that the Digital Services Act ( DSA ) requires platforms to mitigate systemic risks such as disinformation. Should Meta terminate its cooperation with fact-checkers in the EU, the company would have to conduct its own risk assessment and submit it to the EU Commission.
Regnier emphasized that violations . Meta faces of the DSA could result in fines of up to six percent of global revenue. For a company like Meta, which generated revenue of approximately $117 billion (approximately €109 billion) in 2023, this could result in significant penalties.
Meta’s approach to Trump Meta faces
Mark Zuckerberg justified the decision to discontinue the fact-checking program in the US as a necessary step to reduce errors and price analysis: the complete guide strengthen freedom of expression on the platforms. Critics, however, view this move as a move toward incoming US President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump has repeatedly sharply criticized Meta and Zuckerberg in the past, accusing the company of censorship. Observers see the decision as an attempt by Zuckerberg to ease the strained relationship with the new US administration. The appointment of Joel Kaplan, a long-time Republican, as the company’s new chief political officer is seen as a clear signal to Trump.
Zuckerberg emphasized
The existing fact-checking system in the US had canada cell numbers been unsuccessful and had undermined user trust. Instead, users themselves will moderate content and flag misleading information. This model is heavily influenced by the “Community Notes” of Platform X, formerly Twitter, which was introduced under Elon Musk’s leadership.