Fri Jan 10 16:47:32 UTC 2025: ## UN Rights Chief Condemns Meta’s Fact-Checking Cut, Calls for Online Accountability
**Geneva, January 10, 2025** – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, sharply criticized Meta’s decision to eliminate its fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, arguing that regulating hate speech and harmful online content is not censorship. Turk’s statement comes days after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the change, citing concerns about “too many mistakes and too much censorship.”
Turk emphasized that allowing hate speech and harmful content to proliferate online has severe real-world consequences. He reiterated his office’s call for accountability and governance in the digital space, aligned with human rights principles. He warned that unregulated online spaces silence marginalized voices and limit free expression, ultimately leading to harm.
Meta’s move to replace fact-checkers with community-based notes, mirroring X’s approach, has been met with criticism. The decision echoes complaints from conservatives who view fact-checking as censorship. Facebook currently pays approximately 80 organizations globally to provide fact-checking services.
While not specifically mentioning Meta or X, Turk highlighted social media’s capacity to incite conflict and hatred. He stressed that freedom of expression flourishes when diverse voices are heard without enabling harm or disinformation.
The UN and WHO stated they will maintain their presence on various social media platforms to counter misinformation and provide accurate information. A UN spokesman confirmed that the organization is continually monitoring the situation and evaluating its approach to social media platforms. Both the UN and the WHO affirmed their commitment to providing fact-based information to the public, regardless of the platform.
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