Trump says meta has 'come a long way' since Zuckerberg stopped fact-checking on his platform

EXCLUSIVE: President-elect Donald Trump reacts to Meta's move to end its fact-checking programs on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms, telling FOX News Digital that the company has “come a long way.”

Fox News first reported that Meta would end its fact-checking program and lift speech restrictions to “restore freedom of expression” across its platforms, acknowledging that current content moderation practices “go too far” Ta.

Zuckerberg vows to restore free expression on Facebook, Instagram, Meta ends fact-checking program

President Trump said in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that he thought Mehta's “presentation was great.”

“They've come a long way,” Trump said.

Trump's comments were announced in a video Tuesday morning by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said the company was “going back to basics, reducing mistakes, simplifying policies, and improving the quality of expression on our platform.” “We will focus on restoring freedom,” the statement said.

Meta plans to replace fact-checking with a “community notes” model similar to the one used in X.

Meta's third-party fact-checking program was introduced after the 2016 election and has been used primarily to “moderate content” and control misinformation on the platform due to “political pressure,” executives said. said, but admitted that the system had gone “too far.” ”

UFC head Dana White, a strong Trump supporter, joins Meta's board of directors

Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global policy director, told Fox News Digital that Meta has some of its own content moderation rules that are “too restrictive,” particularly around sensitive topics like immigration, trans issues, and gender. He said he was changing the rules because he felt they didn't allow enough discussion.

“We want to ensure that free speech can occur on our platforms without fear of censorship,” Kaplan told FOX News Digital. “We have the power to change the rules and make them more supportive of freedom of expression. And we're not just changing the rules, we're actually changing how the rules are enforced.”

Kaplan said Meta currently uses an automated system that makes “too many mistakes” and removes content that “doesn't even violate our standards.”

He also said that Meta will continue to moderate some content, including posts related to terrorism, illegal drugs, and child sexual exploitation.

But regarding the timing of the change, Kaplan told Fox News Digital that the company “has a real opportunity now.”

Zuckerberg expresses regret, admits bowing to pressure from Biden administration to remove content

Kaplan said of the incoming Trump administration, “Rather than pressuring companies to censor themselves, we have a new administration that is very supportive of freedom of expression.” “It brings us back to the values ​​that Mark founded the company on.”

Last year, Zuckerberg acknowledged in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee that he felt pressured by the Biden administration, particularly regarding content related to the coronavirus, as well as topics such as satire and humor.

“The problem is that as American companies, other governments around the world who don't have our traditions or the First Amendment see the US government pressuring American companies to take down content. , it's really open season for them. The government needs to put more pressure on (their companies),” Kaplan explained. “We see a real opportunity to work with the Trump administration to address freedom of expression in our country.”

Musk proves Hunter Biden's censorship came from collusion between Biden campaign, law enforcement and Twitter

Kaplan also said Mehta sees “opportunities for partnership” with the Trump administration, not only on freedom of expression issues, but also “promoting American business and American technological superiority.”

“These are very important issues for Meta and our sector,” Kaplan said. “And we are excited to work with the Trump administration to advance these goals.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Meanwhile, Meta also said it plans to take a more personalized approach to political content and allow users who want to see more of that type of posting to do so.

Mehta said there will be a renewed focus on cracking down on “illegal and serious violations.”

Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White, a Trump ally, joined Meta's board this week.

“I love social media,” White wrote. “And I’m excited to play a small part in the future of AI and emerging technologies.”

Also joining Meta's board are former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Exov NV CEO John Elkann, who are already working with Microsoft on artificial intelligence products. Mr. Elkann's company has stakes in a number of European companies, including Ferrari NV and the popular Italian soccer team Juventus Football Club.