Meta’s fact-checking and diversity rollbacks represent ‘dangerous retreat’ from corporate responsibility

Meta, the corporation that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced that it not only plans to replace its professional fact-checking system with user-contribution, but also cut down on many of its diversity schemes in respect of hiring and training.

With the U.S. Presidential Inauguration fast approaching, Meta is just one of many corporate giants seemingly setting out its stall in vying for a favorable relationship with President-elect Trump’s administration, ahead of formally taking office.

Dr. Nitisha Tomar, Lecturer in Marketing at Bayes Business School, said the move by Meta could put increased strain on an already-troubled media landscape, and explained the wider implications of its actions.

“Meta’s shift from professional fact-checking to a crowdsourced truth system, coupled with its rollback of diversity initiatives, represents a dangerous retreat from corporate responsibility in our digital age,” she said.

“These changes are part of a broader corporate response to conservative pressure, and risk amplifying existing problems in America’s polarized media landscape.

“The move to community-based fact-checking is particularly concerning, given the current environment in which disinformation thrives and structural flaws in media institutions.

When truth becomes crowdsourced, it can legitimize falsehoods if enough users agree with them.

“This danger is starkly illustrated by Meta’s new guidelines, which now permit users to label LGBTQ+ individuals as ‘mentally ill.’ Such policies demonstrate how community-driven moderation can enable hate speech rather than prevent it, especially in a context of companies simultaneously dismantling diversity and inclusion programs that have helped ensure diverse perspectives in decision-making.”

Dr. Tomar also questioned Meta’s claims that its actions would enhance freedom of speech.

“The argument that these changes promote freedom fundamentally misunderstands the distinction between freedom from censorship and freedom to exist with dignity,” she continued.

“True freedom requires ensuring all users can participate in online spaces without facing dehumanization or harassment. Meta’s retreat from both fact-checking and diversity initiatives risks creating an environment where marginalized voices are further silenced and harmful rhetoric gains legitimacy through community consensus.

This move isn’t just about content moderation—it’s about who gets to shape our understanding of truth in digital spaces. While crowdsourcing truth might appear democratic, it fails to address crucial power imbalances in how information spreads online.

“Combined with the broader corporate retreat from DEI initiatives, these changes risk creating platforms that amplify harmful rhetoric while eroding the safety and inclusivity of public discourse.”