Facebook and Instagram end fact-checking program as Zuckerberg promises to restore free expression.

Meta is ending its fact-checking program and lifting restrictions on speech to "restore free expression" across Facebook, Instagram and Meta platforms, admitting its current content moderation practices have "gone too far."

"Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced in a video posted Tuesday morning that the company will focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying policies, and restoring free expression on its platforms. In particular, Meta will eliminate fact-checkers and replace them with Community Notes similar to X, beginning in the U.S."

On Tuesday morning, Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, will be interviewed exclusively on Planet Chronicle Channel's "Fox & Friends" to discuss the recent changes.

The third-party fact-checking program at Meta was introduced after the 2016 election to manage content and misinformation on its platforms, mainly due to political pressure. However, executives admitted that the system has overstepped its bounds.

"Kaplan stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that they turned to independent, third-party fact-checkers. He explained that there is too much political bias in what they choose to fact-check because they only fact-check what they see on the platform."

Meta is replacing its "Ending" model with a "Community Notes" model similar to the one used on X, formerly Twitter, according to Kaplan's statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Instead of seeking advice from an expert, the platform relies on the community and its users to provide their own commentary on content they have read. If a note receives support from a broad range of users, it can be attached to the content for others to view.

Kaplan stated that it would be a more effective strategy to adopt a different approach instead of relying on experts whose biases could influence the program.

Meta is modifying some of its content moderation guidelines, particularly those that are deemed "overly restrictive" and do not allow for open discussion on sensitive topics such as immigration, transgender issues, and gender.

"Kaplan stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the platform aims to ensure that discourse can occur freely without the threat of censorship. The platform possesses the authority to modify the rules and make them more conducive to free expression. Moreover, the platform is not only modifying the rules but also altering the enforcement process."

Meta's automated systems, according to Kaplan, result in too many errors and remove content that does not violate their standards.

Like posts relating to terrorism, illegal drugs, and child sexual exploitation, Meta will continue to moderate certain things, as he stated.

Kaplan informed Planet Chronicle Digital that the company has a "real chance" now.

"The incoming Trump administration is not pressuring companies to censor and is instead a huge supporter of free expression, according to Kaplan. This aligns with the values that Mark founded the company on."

In a letter to the House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg admitted that he felt pressure from the Biden administration, particularly regarding COVID content, and even items like satire and humor.

"As American companies, when other governments without our tradition or First Amendment see the US government pressuring US companies to remove content, it becomes an opportunity for those governments to exert more pressure on their own companies, according to Kaplan. However, we believe it is a chance to collaborate with the Trump administration and promote free expression within the US."

Kaplan stated that Meta views "potential for collaboration" with the Trump administration not only on matters of free speech but also in "advancing American enterprise and maintaining our technological advantage."

"Kaplan stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that the issues at hand are of great significance to Meta and the industry, and they are thrilled to collaborate with the Trump administration to achieve those objectives."

Meta announced that it plans to adopt a more personalized approach to political content, allowing users to view more posts of that nature.

Meta will concentrate its enforcement efforts on "illegal and high-severity violations."