The Meta’s choice to end its fact-checking initiative in the United States was criticized as detrimental to democracy by the newly appointed Minister of the Secretariat for Social Communication, Sidon Palmeira, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Federal Prosecutor (MPF) has requested that the technology giant provide details on this decision in a country combatting disinformation.
“It is harmful to democracy as it allows hate, misinformation, and fake news to spread without control. This issue highlights the necessity for social media regulations, as seen in Europe,” Palmeiras informed journalists.
Meta announced it will end its fact-checking program in the United States, a significant shift in its content moderation approach that reflects the preferences of the incoming U.S. president, Donald Trump.
The MPF asked Mark Zuckerberg’s company to respond within 30 days regarding whether the decision will also be implemented in Brazil.
(MPF) is interested in knowing when the company plans to introduce these changes in Brazil and comprehending the specifics of these modifications to evaluate their potential impact on platform users in our country.
The office is connected to an ongoing inquiry by the Attorney General of the Republic in 2021 regarding the role of social media in combating misinformation and “digital violence” in the nation.
The investigation also includes X (previously known as Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok, and YouTube, in addition to Facebook and Instagram which are part of Meta. It aims to assess the actions these platforms take to identify and address the creation of fake content, as well as the use of bots or fake profiles.
Meta stated on Wednesday that it does not intend to remove its digital verification system in the European Union following the announcement in the United States. The company will reassess its responsibilities in accordance with existing regulations before implementing any modifications.
“We will not show tolerance.”
Check organizations in multiple countries worldwide employ journalistic standards to examine questionable online claims that are widely circulated, influential, and potentially harmful to the public.
AFP collaborates with Facebook’s content verification program in 26 different languages, with Facebook compensating approximately 80 organizations worldwide for their verification services across its platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva cautioned about the dangers of misinformation to democracy during an event marking the second anniversary of the attack on the Three Powers headquarters in Brasilia.
“We support freedom of speech, but we will not tolerate hate speech, fake news that puts lives at risk, or incitement to violence against the law,” he stated.
Brazil attracted global attention in August due to its actions against a social media platform that defied court orders regarding combatting misinformation.
Billionaire Elon Musk, the owner of X, disregarded calls to delete the accounts of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, amidst a disagreement with Moraes over the boundaries of free speech and risks to democracy.
After a 40-day suspension, Musk relented, and X resumed regular work in Brazil.
Moraes cautioned that social media platforms are not a lawless territory.
“In Brazil, the Big Tech companies must adhere to Brazilian laws to continue operating, regardless of the empty boasts from their irresponsible leaders,” the minister stated.
Musk, a close associate of Trump who will join his administration, praised Meta’s positive choice to halt its data verification program.
Bolsonaro’s associates also praised the choice.
The impact of Donald Trump is starting and additional information will be examined soon. Stay tuned! The left will be defeated.