Oversight Board asks Meta not to replace fact-checking with Community Notes

Meta's Oversight Board has cautioned the company against replacing its fact-checking program with the Community Notes system, according to a statement obtained by AFP. The board expressed concern that Community Notes may not be a suitable replacement for fact-checking, as they often rely on fact-checking themselves. The Oversight Board urged Meta not to view Community Notes as a direct substitute for fact-checking and to utilize all appropriate tools to address misinformation on its platforms while protecting free expression and mitigating potential harms.

The board previously warned about the risks of Community Notes roll-out in politically charged countries during elections. Meta had announced on Wednesday that it had begun testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking countries across Latin America, with the goal of eventually replacing its professional fact-checking program in collaboration with partner organizations.