Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced significant changes to content moderation on Facebook and Instagram. The company will discontinue its third-party fact-checking program, replacing it with a “Community Notes” system similar to that used on Elon Musk’s platform, X (formerly Twitter).

Zuckerberg stated that this shift aims to “restore free expression” on Meta’s platforms by reducing errors and simplifying policies. He acknowledged that while the new approach might allow some harmful content to go unchecked, it would decrease the accidental censorship of legitimate posts.

Additionally, Meta plans to relocate its trust and safety teams from California to Texas, addressing concerns about potential political biases in content moderation. This move aligns with similar strategies employed by other tech companies to promote free speech.

These changes come as Meta seeks to align more closely with the incoming Trump administration, following a period of strained relations after the suspension of Trump’s accounts in 2021. The company has recently made efforts to rebuild these ties, including donations to Trump’s inaugural fund and strategic personnel appointments.

Critics express concern that removing professional fact-checkers could lead to an increase in misinformation and harmful content on these platforms. They argue that relying on community-driven moderation may not effectively address the spread of false information.

Meta plans to implement the “Community Notes” system in the U.S. over the coming months, with potential expansion to other regions thereafter. The company will continue to monitor and remove content related to illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and child exploitation.