Unless you haven't watched the news or have been living off planet Earth for the past few weeks, it's impossible not to have heard about it. Crucial changes implemented by Meta (and its owner, Mark Zuckerberg) on its platforms (Facebook, Instagram and ThreadsThere were several. adjustments and changes to company guidelines which caught users and the global community by surprise. Some questioned: Has Zuckerberg gone mad? Is this the end or the beginning of a new era for social media? In fact, the theme The technological landscape changes as a whole, and if it can be summed up in one word, that word would be "policyUnderstand below The changes to the Goal and the impact they are expected to have in Brazil and the world..
Goal Announcement
It was on Tuesday (January 7, 2025) that the owner of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, appeared in A five-minute video announcing five drastic changes to their platforms.The announcement surprised many people, but in fact confirmed something already quite visible behind the scenes in politics: a Meta's alignment with the doctrines of the newly elected US president, Donald Trump..
Just like its "competitor," Elon Musk (owner of X, formerly Twitter), the Support for President Trump was already expected. and anticipated by recent meetings and gatherings at events supporting the president (which even brought together other CEOs and owners of big tech companies). Experts attribute the support to a general fatigue in this sector, which has been suffering strong sanctions and (legitimate) demands from regulatory bodies. Around the world in recent years. Jumping on the "Trump bandwagon" can be seen as "protection" for such companies.
Notably, therefore, it is observed that All the changes revolve around what Meta called "protecting freedom of expression," with a loosening of the rules and controls previously established.Mark Zuckerberg stressed that he intends to "work with President Trump" to pressure governments that promote "censorship," citing Europe, China, and Latin America (a direct jab at Brazil and the Supreme Federal Court).
Understand below the 5 main changes and their global applicability (or for now, only in the United States).
End of Independent Fact-Checking
Valid only in the United States.Meta announced that it will end its independent fact-checking program, which began in 2016 with the support of at least 80 organizations around the world.
The fast-checking program analyzed posts based on international fact-checking protocols, with Meta making the final decision on whether to include a warning label on the content or even take it down.
According to Zuckerberg, they promoted "censorship" and were biased in filtering content.These agencies defended themselves, but have already been notified about the termination of their contracts. The decision is already valid in the United States, but there is no date set for it to be expanded to other countries.
Community Notes
In place of the fact-checking program, the Meta announced the creation of a model (similar to X) called Community Notes.It allows that Users themselves add contextual information. in publications considered misleading or controversial.
Meta believes that the change can promote greater transparency and reduce bias.However, experts assure that the new system (being controlled by the digital community itself) should promoting fake news and misinformation.
Community Notes will initially be implemented only in the United States; there are no plans to expand them to other countries.
Recommendation for Political Posts
Already valid globally.Zuckerberg decided to change the approach of his networks regarding posts with “civic content” (which includes elections, politics and social debates)Until now, Metacritic limited the reach of this type of content. Now, The company's algorithms will recommend these posts to users. (even if they are accounts that the person doesn't follow).
The justification: According to the company, politics needs to have the same digital presence as other issues.In reality, the lack of knowledge about how algorithms work raises concerns about how these recommendations will be generated, in ethical terms.
This change will be implemented gradually, and users who wish to reduce the display of such posts will be able to adjust their preferences in the settings of each network.
Rules for Hate Speech
Perhaps the point that has generated the most discussion: Meta has updated its guidelines on hate speech, and the measure is now in effect globally..
Us new “Community Standards”The company details what constitutes unacceptable conduct that may result in the removal of content or an account. What was shocking was the... “laxity” of measures anchored in a “discourse of defending free expression”.
Based on this, the Meta has eased restrictions for contexts of political and religious debates, as well as statements related to gender and sexual orientation.For example, the company states that it will be permitted to make claims of "mental illness or abnormality based on gender and sexual orientation."
Change in Content Moderation
Finally, and also valid globally, Mark Zuckerberg, confirmed having Adjusted its filters regarding the removal of content that violates Meta's policies only in cases of serious violations. (such as cases of terrorism or exploitation). Posts that the company considers less serious will only be addressed if complaints are filed..
The relaxation of yet another control mechanism was justified by stating that the automatic filters (previously in effect) generated many errors by removing unnecessary content.
The Content Moderation team and offices, by the way, are moving from California to Texas. An innocent move, but one that, analyzed from a political perspective, is quite significant: the American state of Texas is a strong Republican/conservative stronghold and a major supporter of Trump.
Brazil and the Goal
You Zuckerberg's announcements have not gone down well with several nations and international communities.In particular, Brazil, which was indirectly criticized in Latin America (according to him, "secret tribunals censor the platforms" – a clear reference to the episode of the suspension of X in Brazil by the STF in 2024).
THE The Attorney General's Office (AGU) determined that Meta had to justify itself within 72 hours. Regarding the matter, they argued that the measures could bring "harmful consequences" and that big tech companies should assume their responsibilities for an ethical digital environment.
Meta responded in a more moderate tone., emphasizing that the measures regarding the Fact-Checking Program and Community Notes will initially be implemented only in the United States. She emphasized her commitment to respecting human rights. and justified the other changes in promoting a "balance" between freedom of expression and security.
The consequences of such changes will begin to be seen soon, now in 2025; It is up to users and the international community to evaluate and demand more regulation from Meta (and other big tech companies)..
READ ALSO: "Meta AI is coming soon! Learn all about it!"
READ ALSO: “Get AI on WhatsApp! Be amazed!”
READ ALSO: “5 AI Trends for 2025”
