Voto Latino calls Meta’s decision to end fact-checking ‘dangerous step backward’

The decision will impact content moderation on Meta-owned platforms Facebook, Instagram and Threads, which count nearly 4 billion users worldwide.

By Crystal Harlan

January 8, 2025

In the press release Voto Latino called on Meta to reinstate measures to combat disinformation and hate speech, and urged lawmakers and regulators to hold social media platforms accountable.

Voto Latino, the national organization dedicated to empowering Latino communities through civic engagement, has condemned Meta’s recent announcement to end fact-checking and remove restrictions on speech across Facebook and Instagram.

“There is a clear line between free speech and incendiary speech—speech that incites violence, as seen during the January 6 insurrection, radicalizes individuals, and marginalizes entire communities. Meta’s actions will blur that line, prioritizing profits over public safety and empowering those who exploit their platforms to sow division and hatred,” said María Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino, in a press release.

“Fact-checking is not optional—it is a cornerstone of combating disinformation. For years, disinformation in both English and Spanish has disproportionately targeted Latino communities, spreading harmful lies about elections, public health, and social issues. Without fact-checking measures in place, all Americans will be even more vulnerable to campaigns of manipulation aimed at suppressing voter turnout and eroding trust in institutions.

Meta’s decision is a dangerous step backward at a time when we need more accountability from social media platforms. Disinformation has real consequences for our community—it undermines civic participation, erodes trust, and incites violence. Removing fact-checking and restrictions will only deepen these harms while lining the pockets of those profiting from chaos.”

In the press release Voto Latino called on Meta to reinstate measures to combat disinformation and hate speech, and urged lawmakers and regulators to hold social media platforms accountable for their role in spreading harmful content.

Author

Crystal Harlan

Crystal is a bilingual editor and writer with over 20 years of experience in digital and print media. She is currently based in Florida, but has lived in small towns in the Midwest, Caracas, New York City, and Madrid, where she earned her MA in Spanish literature.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL NEWS

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