News

Meta ends fact-checking, promotes free expression on platforms

Meta ends fact-checking, eases speech restrictions, aligns with Trump administration; Zuckerberg aims to restore free expression on platforms.

Published

1 year ago

January 8, 2025

ticker NEWS

Meta ends fact-checking, eases speech restrictions, aligns with Trump administration.

Meta is ending its fact-checking programme and lifting restrictions on speech across Facebook and Instagram, according to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

In a video statement, Zuckerberg indicated this change aims to restore free expression on Meta’s platforms.

He announced the removal of fact-checkers, opting instead for a Community Notes system, where users can flag posts needing additional context, similar to the system used on X, formerly Twitter.

While illegal behaviour will still be targeted, Zuckerberg mentioned that Meta would cease enforcing content rules related to immigration and gender that do not reflect mainstream views.

This shift is expected to alter the experience of billions of users on Meta’s platforms, moving away from previous attempts to manage abusive content. Such efforts had faced criticism, particularly from the political right, who accused Meta of censorship.

Zuckerberg’s decision comes as he seeks to build a better relationship with the new Trump administration, following a history of tension.

In recent months, Zuckerberg has expressed disagreement with claims that Meta censored content during the 2021 pandemic and has reached out to Republican leaders to reaffirm this stance.

Additionally, Zuckerberg has made efforts to connect with Trump, including a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago and a donation from Meta to Trump’s inaugural fund.

The appointment of Joel Kaplan as global policy chief is seen as a further indication of Meta’s commitment to strengthening ties with conservative politics.

News

UK, Canada and Australia consider banning Elon Musk’s X over AI risks

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Published

5 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

UK, Canada, Australia discuss banning Elon Musk’s X over AI tool Grok’s potential for misuse; regulatory action may follow.

Downing Street has opened talks with Canada and Australia about a possible ban on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X. Concerns are growing over the platform’s AI tool, Grok, which could be misused to generate explicit images.

The scrutiny comes as government officials, including Sir Keir Starmer, voice serious worries about the platform’s impact and the potential for harm. Officials believe coordinated international action could send a clear message to Musk about the urgency of addressing these risks.

Ofcom is expected to release recommendations soon, potentially paving the way for regulatory action. How Musk responds could determine whether X faces restrictions in multiple countries.

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News

Trump weighs options as Iran protests escalate

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

Published

5 hours ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump to discuss US responses to Iran protests with officials, including sanctions and military action options.

President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior US officials to discuss possible responses to the growing protests in Iran. The talks will focus on how Washington should react as unrest continues to spread across the country.

Options on the table reportedly include tougher sanctions and the possibility of military action. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials are expected to attend, as concerns mount over how US involvement could impact regional stability.

Iran has warned it will retaliate if the US intervenes, raising fears that any move by Washington could sharply escalate tensions in the Middle East.

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Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.