Information Integrity – META scales back its content moderation and fight against information manipulation (8 January 2025)

France expresses its concern over US social media company META’s decision to reassess the effectiveness of fact-checking in curbing the spread of false information. It notes that this decision is currently limited to the United States.

France remains vigilant and committed to ensuring that META, along with other platforms, comply with their obligations under European law, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). Fully implemented in 2024, this innovative regulatory framework holds platforms accountable for the content to which users are exposed. The DSA is an integral part of the proper democratic functioning of the EU, serving to protect our citizens from foreign interference and information manipulation.

Freedom of expression, a fundamental right protected in France and Europe, should not be confused with a right to virality, which would permit the dissemination of inauthentic content to millions of users without any filtering or moderation. META had previously valued its partnership with "fact-checkers" as an effective tool in supporting the integrity of the European elections in 2024.

France reiterates its support for civil society actors worldwide who are committed to defending and reinforcing democracies against information manipulation and destabilizing actions by authoritarian regimes.