In the views of Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Meta is moving towards a world devoid of facts. She has warned about the dangerous times ahead for the media and democracy at large, especially after the United States government decided to halt fact-checking.

Ressa, an American-Filipino journalist, emphasized the grave danger that lies ahead for individuals working in journalism, democracy, and using social media platforms. The Nobel Peace Prize winner foresees these dangerous times looming on the horizon, pointing out that Meta’s decision to lift constraints on certain topics and abandon fact-checking on its platforms is a clear sign of what’s to come.

During an interview with AFP, Ressa criticized Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to relax content restrictions on Facebook and Instagram, expressing concern that this move could lead to a world without facts, which she believes would be favorable for dictators. She also disputed Zuckerberg’s claims that fact-checkers were too politically biased, stating that these checks were necessary for maintaining credibility and trust.

Ressa’s tireless efforts in promoting freedom of expression led to her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021. As one of the founders of Rappler, a news website critical of the Philippines’ former President Rodrigo Duterte, she faced numerous criminal charges and investigations for her outspoken critiques of the government. Despite these challenges, Ressa remained dedicated to upholding journalistic standards and holding those in power accountable.

The decision made by Zuckerberg to remove third-party fact-checkers in the United States and replace them with a crowd-sourced moderation service has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and lack of accountability. Ressa highlighted the implications of this decision, warning of extremely dangerous times for democracy advocates, journalists, and social media users.

While Meta claims it has no immediate plans to remove fact-checkers outside the United States, the impact of these changes will be felt globally. Ressa underscored the need to safeguard the integrity of information and uphold journalistic standards in the face of increasing challenges.

Amnesty International accused the Philippine authorities of using Facebook to target and label young activists as communist rebels and terrorists. This practice of “red-tagging” highlights the dangers of using social media platforms to suppress dissent and target marginalized groups. Frances Haugen, a whistleblower for Meta, exposed how Facebook’s lack of safety protections in non-English regions facilitated human trafficking and armed groups’ use of the platform for illicit activities.

Ressa and other advocates continue to push for greater accountability and transparency from social media companies, urging them to prioritize user safety over profits. The role of social media platforms in promoting violence, spreading hate speech, and inciting division underscores the need for stronger regulations and oversight.

In conclusion, the challenges facing journalism, democracy, and social media in today’s world require vigilant efforts to protect the integrity of information and uphold democratic principles. Ressa’s warnings about the dangerous times ahead serve as a reminder of the importance of media literacy, fact-checking, and responsible online behavior. As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital communication, it is essential to prioritize truth, accuracy, and transparency to safeguard our collective future.