The Brazilian government has issued a stern ultimatum to Meta, demanding an explanation within 72 hours regarding significant changes to its fact-checking program. This decision comes in response to concerns about the recent scrapping of Meta’s U.S. fact-checking program, which has raised alarms in Brazil about potential impacts on misinformation and public discourse.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributed the changes to "too many mistakes and too much censorship," prompting the company to shift towards less restrictive discussions on sensitive topics such as immigration and gender identity. According to a Meta spokesperson, these adjustments are intended solely for the U.S. market, yet the implications have reverberated internationally, particularly in Brazil.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva characterized these changes as "extremely serious." The Brazilian government is alarmed that moving away from a fact-checking framework could lead to increased misinformation and a decline in public trust. Solicitor General Jorge Messias echoed these sentiments, stating that Brazilian society will not tolerate such policies. He remarked on the fluidity of Meta's stance, likening it to an "airport windsock," which shifts direction according to external pressures.
The Brazilian government has convened a meeting to address the issue, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring accountability from Meta. Messias indicated that the government's top priority is to protect Brazilian society from the potential fallout of these policy changes.
While Reuters, a key partner in Meta's U.S. fact-checking initiative, has chosen not to comment on the situation, the implications of Meta's decisions remain a topic of significant concern for the Brazilian public and authorities alike.
The shift in Meta's approach signals a broader response to criticisms regarding censorship and control over information dissemination. However, the Brazilian government is taking a firm stance against this trend, insisting on transparency and responsibility from one of the world's largest social media platforms.
