Meta

Brazil’s Lula criticises Meta’s move to end US fact-checking program

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has condemned Meta’s decision to discontinue its fact-checking program in the United States, calling it a grave issue. Speaking in Brasília on Thursday, Lula emphasised the need for accountability in digital communication, equating its responsibilities to those of traditional media. He announced plans to meet with government officials to discuss the matter.

Meta’s recent decision has prompted Brazilian prosecutors to seek clarification on whether the changes will affect the country. The company has been given 30 days to respond as part of an ongoing investigation into how social media platforms address misinformation and online violence in Brazil.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Court, known for his strict oversight of tech companies, reiterated that social media firms must adhere to Brazilian laws to continue operating in the country. Last year, he temporarily suspended X (formerly Twitter) over non-compliance with local regulations.

Meta has so far declined to comment on the matter in Brazil, fueling concerns over its commitment to tackling misinformation globally. The outcome of Brazil’s inquiry could have broader implications for how tech firms balance local laws with global policy changes.

Meta to test eBay integration on Facebook Marketplace

Meta is set to trial a new feature allowing users in Germany, France, and the United States to browse eBay listings directly on Facebook Marketplace. Transactions will still be completed on eBay’s platform, but the integration aims to provide Facebook users with a wider selection of products while giving eBay sellers greater exposure.

The move follows a hefty $840 million fine imposed by the European Commission in November over alleged anticompetitive practices related to Facebook Marketplace. While Meta continues to appeal the decision, it says it is working to address regulators’ concerns. The European Commission has yet to comment on the latest development.

Meta’s partnership with eBay reflects broader efforts by tech companies to expand online marketplaces and enhance user experience. The initiative is expected to benefit both buyers and sellers by increasing reach and streamlining access to listings.

EU denies censorship claims made by Meta

The European Commission has rejected accusations from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg that European Union laws censor social media, saying regulations only target illegal content. Officials clarified that platforms are required to remove posts deemed harmful to children or democracy, not lawful content.

Zuckerberg recently criticised EU regulations, claiming they stifle innovation and institutionalise censorship. In response, the Commission strongly denied the claims, emphasising its Digital Services Act does not impose censorship but ensures public safety through content regulation.

Meta has decided to end fact-checking in the US for Facebook, Instagram and Threads, opting for a ‘community notes’ system. The system allows users to highlight misleading posts, with notes published if diverse contributors agree they are helpful.

The EU confirmed that such a system could be acceptable in Europe if platforms submit risk assessments and demonstrate effectiveness in content moderation. Independent fact-checking for European users will remain available for US-based content.

EU Court orders damages for data breach by Commission

In a landmark decision, the EU General Court ruled on Wednesday that the European Commission must pay €400 ($412) in damages to a German citizen for violating data protection laws. The case marks the first time the Commission has been held liable for failing to comply with its data regulations.

The court found that the Commission improperly transferred the citizen’s personal data, including an IP address, to Meta Platforms in the United States without adequate safeguards. The breach occurred when the individual used the ‘Sign in with Facebook’ option on the EU login webpage to register for a conference.

The Commission acknowledged the ruling, stating it would review the judgment and its implications. The decision underscores the robust enforcement of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has led to significant penalties against major firms like Meta, LinkedIn, and Klarna for non-compliance.

Brazil warns tech firms to follow laws or face expulsion

Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes reiterated on Wednesday that technology companies must comply with national laws to continue operating in the country. His statement followed Meta’s recent announcement to scale back its US fact-checking program, raising concerns about its impact on Brazil.

Speaking at an event marking the anniversary of anti-institution riots, Moraes emphasised that the court would not tolerate the use of hate speech for profit. Last year, he ordered the suspension of social media platform X for over a month due to its failure to moderate hate speech, a decision later upheld by the court. X owner Elon Musk criticised the move as censorship but ultimately complied with court demands to restore the platform’s services in Brazil.

Brazilian prosecutors have also asked Meta to clarify whether its US fact-checking changes will apply in Brazil, citing an ongoing investigation into social media platforms’ efforts to combat misinformation and violence. Meta has been given 30 days to respond but declined to comment through its local office.

Meta ends fact-checking program in the US

Meta Platforms has announced the termination of its US fact-checking program and eased restrictions on politically charged discussions, such as immigration and gender identity. The decision, which affects Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, marks a significant shift in the company’s content moderation strategy. CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the move as a return to ‘free expression,’ citing recent US elections as a cultural tipping point. The changes come as Meta seeks to build rapport with the incoming Trump administration.

In place of fact-checking, Meta plans to adopt a ‘Community Notes’ system, similar to that used by Elon Musk’s platform X. The company will also scale back proactive monitoring of hate speech, relying instead on user reports, while continuing to address high-severity violations like terrorism and scams. Meta is also relocating some policy teams from California to other states, signalling a broader operational shift. The decision follows the promotion of Republican policy executive Joel Kaplan to head of global affairs and the appointment of Trump ally Dana White to Meta’s board.

The move has sparked criticism from fact-checking organisations and free speech advocates. Angie Drobnic Holan, head of the International Fact-Checking Network, pushed back against Zuckerberg’s claims of bias, asserting that fact-checkers provide context rather than censorship. Critics, including the Centre for Information Resilience, warn that the policy rollback could exacerbate disinformation. For now, the changes will apply only to the US, with Meta maintaining its fact-checking operations in regions like the European Union, where stricter tech regulations are in place.

As Meta rolls out its ‘Community Notes’ system, global scrutiny is expected to intensify. The European Commission, already investigating Musk’s X over similar practices, noted Meta’s announcement and emphasised compliance with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which mandates robust content regulation. While Meta navigates a complex regulatory and political landscape, the impact of its new policies on disinformation and public trust remains uncertain.

Meta appoints three new board directors

Meta Platforms has elected three new directors to its board, including Dana White, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump. Investor and former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Exor CEO John Elkann have also joined. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said their expertise would help the company navigate opportunities in artificial intelligence, wearables, and digital connectivity.

White’s appointment strengthens his ties with Zuckerberg, who has become a mixed martial arts enthusiast. The two have shared public exchanges in recent years, with Zuckerberg attending UFC events at White’s invitation. Songhurst has been involved in Meta’s AI advisory group since May, while Elkann holds leadership roles at Ferrari and Stellantis, alongside chairing the Agnelli Foundation.

Zuckerberg has been adjusting Meta’s strategy ahead of a possible second Trump presidency. The company recently promoted Republican policy expert Joel Kaplan and donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, signalling a shift in its political stance. Meta has also acknowledged past content decisions that were unpopular among conservatives as it prepares for the evolving political landscape.

Meta appoints Joel Kaplan as chief global affairs officer in strategic leadership shift

Meta Platforms has announced Joel Kaplan as its new chief global affairs officer, succeeding Nick Clegg in a significant leadership transition. Kaplan, a prominent Republican and former deputy chief of staff for policy under George W. Bush, has been with Meta since 2011 and previously reported to Clegg.

The reshuffle comes as the company navigates a delicate political landscape ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, addressing past tensions with the administration over its content policies. Nick Clegg, who joined Meta in 2018 after serving as the UK’s deputy prime minister, announced his decision to step down, describing the timing as ‘right’ for the transition.

He has been instrumental in shaping Meta’s policies on contentious issues like election integrity and content moderation, including creating its independent oversight board. Clegg praised Kaplan as the ideal choice to guide Meta through evolving societal and political expectations for technology.

Kaplan’s tenure at Meta has not been without controversy. He has faced accusations of prioritising conservative agendas under the guise of neutrality, which Meta denied. Notably, Kaplan attended a 2018 Senate hearing on sexual assault allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, sparking internal dissent at the company. Despite these challenges, Kaplan’s appointment underscores Meta’s intent to strengthen ties with Republican leadership.

The leadership change aligns with Meta’s broader efforts to mend its relationship with Trump and his administration. The company’s $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund and CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s gestures to appease conservative concerns reflect this shift. That marks a significant chapter in Meta’s ongoing balancing act between political pressures and its role as a global tech powerhouse.

Instagram promises new generative AI features

Instagram is developing advanced AI-powered tools to enhance video editing capabilities for creators. These tools, expected to launch next year, will allow users to modify nearly any element of their videos through simple text prompts, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. The features will be powered by Meta’s Movie Gen AI model.

The teased tools aim to give creators unprecedented control over their content. Users will be able to alter appearances, change outfits, transform backgrounds, and add virtual accessories like jewellery with ease. Previews demonstrated seamless effects, including snowy backdrops and puppet-like animations, offering a glimpse into the platform’s evolving creative possibilities.

Meta’s Movie Gen, introduced in October, enables video creation and editing through text prompts but was not initially made public. Instagram’s planned integration marks a significant shift, positioning the platform as a leader in AI-driven video innovation. Competitors such as OpenAI and Adobe have also been advancing similar technologies.

Creators are anticipated to benefit greatly from these developments as Instagram seeks to empower them with more sophisticated tools. The move signals Meta’s broader ambitions to redefine video editing in the social media landscape.

Apple criticises Meta’s requests for access to iPhone tools

Apple has accused Meta of making excessive interoperability requests that could compromise user privacy and security, intensifying the rivalry between the two tech giants. Under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple must allow competitors access to its services or face significant fines. Apple claims Meta’s 15 requests — more than any other company — could expose sensitive data like messages, emails, and passwords.

Meta, which seeks integration for products like its Quest VR headsets and smart glasses, dismissed Apple’s privacy concerns as a cover for anticompetitive practices. Apple cited Meta’s past privacy violations in Europe as a reason for caution.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has outlined measures to ensure Apple complies with the DMA, including clear timelines and feedback mechanisms for developers. A final decision on Apple’s compliance with the law is expected in March 2025.