Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is making some big changes. Recently, they announced that Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), will join their board of directors. This decision comes as the company takes a new direction under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is working to strengthen ties with former President Donald Trump and shift the way they handle content moderation and fact-checking.
Meta’s MAGA make-over
By bringing in Dana White, a well-known figure in sports and a supporter of Trump, Meta is signaling a shift in its approach. They’ve stopped using third-party fact-checkers to monitor content and plan to rely more on user-generated input for determining what is true or false. This has raised concerns among Meta employees, who worry it could lead to more misinformation online.
Changes to Fact-Checking Policies
On January 7, 2025, Meta decided to end its third-party fact-checking program. This decision came from Joel Kaplan, Meta’s new Chief Global Affairs Officer. The idea behind this change is to make fact-checking more user-driven, similar to the system used by X’s Community Notes. Some employees think this approach might improve the system, but others are calling it risky, fearing it will lead to the spread of false information.
Adapting to User-Generated Content
The plan to let users control what is considered fact has some advantages and disadvantages. While it could empower regular users to voice their opinions and share what they believe is important, it also opens the door for misleading information to gain traction. This has left many wondering if Meta will struggle to keep harmful content in check.
Biden Administration Sanctions Foreign Powers
In addition to the changes at Meta, the Biden administration has been taking action against foreign interference in elections. They recently imposed sanctions on Russia and Iran for trying to meddle in U.S. democracy. This announcement comes during a complicated time for not just Meta, but the entire tech industry, as they navigate the balance between free speech and the risk of misinformation.
Technology’s Role in Modern Conflicts
It’s worth noting that just recently, an attacker used Meta smart glasses during an incident in New Orleans. This has raised questions about how technology is used for both good and ill, urging companies like Meta to consider their responsibilities more seriously. Following these events, it’s clear that the company must tread carefully as it evolves its policies.
Moving Forward with New Board Members
Alongside Dana White, Meta also welcomed two other members to their board: John Elkann, CEO of Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a tech investor. Each of these new board members brings a unique skill set—Elkann with his experience in international business and Songhurst’s background in artificial intelligence—which could help Meta navigate the current challenges more effectively.
As the company continues to adjust its strategy, all eyes will be on how these changes impact users and the type of content they see on their feeds. While Dana White’s appointment may be seen as controversial, it reflects the company’s ambition to remain relevant in a fast-changing digital landscape.