Biden Calls Meta’s Ending of Fact-Checking Program ‘Shameful’

President Joe Biden has voiced his disapproval of Meta Platforms Inc.’s decision to end its fact-checking program, calling it “shameful” and a betrayal of the company’s responsibility to combat misinformation on its platforms.

In a statement released by the White House, President Biden criticized Meta, formerly known as Facebook, for prioritizing profits over truth and public safety. He argued that the company’s decision to discontinue its fact-checking program will only exacerbate the spread of false information and conspiracy theories on its platforms.

“Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program is shameful and utterly irresponsible,” President Biden said. “They have a moral obligation to ensure that their platforms are not used to spread misinformation and disinformation that can harm our democracy and public health.”

Meta’s fact-checking program was launched in 2016 in response to mounting pressure from lawmakers and civil society groups to address the spread of fake news on its platforms. The program relied on third-party fact-checkers to review and debunk false or misleading content shared by users.

However, Meta announced earlier this month that it would be ending the fact-checking program, citing a desire to focus on other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of information on its platforms. The decision sparked backlash from critics who argue that the move will only embolden bad actors to spread misinformation without consequence.

President Biden’s criticism of Meta is just the latest in a series of attacks on the tech giant’s handling of misinformation. In recent months, the company has faced growing scrutiny over its role in amplifying false information about COVID-19 vaccines, the 2020 election, and other topics.

As the world grapples with the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age, President Biden’s condemnation of Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program serves as a reminder of the importance of holding tech companies accountable for their role in shaping public discourse. It remains to be seen how Meta will respond to the criticism and whether it will reconsider its decision in light of the backlash.