A prominent fact-checking organization, Lead Stories, expressed disappointment and disagreement with Meta’s decision to revamp its fact-checking process. In a statement, Lead Stories editor Maarten Schenk wrote that the organization was “surprised and disappointed” to learn about the change, which it believes may lead to the “destruction of more trust” rather than the creation of it.
Lead Stories, which employs several former CNN alumni, has been a part of Meta’s fact-checking program since 2019. The organization’s content has been used to moderate political content on Facebook and other Meta platforms. Schenk noted that Lead Stories had been a part of the program, but also expressed disappointment over Meta’s decision to end their partnership, citing no complaints received about political bias during their time in the program.
Schenk argued that the meta’s new approach, which will move towards a system of moderation that is more in line with Community Notes at X, may not be effective in promoting free speech. He stated that these notes are often slow to appear, sometimes inaccurate, and unlikely to appear on controversial posts due to an inability to reach agreement or consensus among users. Schenk further pointed out that fact-checkers are required to be transparent about their methodology, sources, and funding, whereas Community Notes is non-transparent about its contributors and has no mechanism for appeals or corrections.
Schenk concluded that fact-checking is essential for free speech and that people should have access to verified and sourced information to make informed decisions. He also stated that Lead Stories will continue to fact-check and will reduce their output due to no longer receiving support from Meta.