Mark Zuckerberg Praises Elon Musk's X Platform, Admits X Better At Fact-Checking

Zuckerberg acknowledged that X’s efforts in combatting misinformation through improved fact-checking processes set a higher standard. 

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Mark Zuckerberg Praises Elon Musk's X Platform, Admits X Better At Fact-Checking

Mark Zuckerberg Praises Elon Musk's X Platform, Admits X Better At Fact-Checking.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has praised Elon Musk’s X for its superior fact-checking capabilities as he admits that the platform has done a better job in this area than his own company’s social media networks. In a podcast, Zuckerberg acknowledged that X’s efforts in combatting misinformation through improved fact-checking processes set a higher standard.

This statement came after Meta decided to scrap its US fact-checking programs and replace them with a “community notes” system on account of EU’s data laws.

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Zuckerberg had stated that scrapping fact-checking would foster “free speech” on the platform. He also criticised fact-checkers, saying they’ve been “politically biased” and have eroded trust, particularly in the US.

This move was said to be amid accusations from conservatives, including President-elect Donald Trump, that the platform engages in “censorship” and favours “liberal” values. Zuckerberg has previously expressed regret over the company’s handling of certain content moderation issues, including COVID-19.

The European Commission has stated that for such a system to be used in the EU, a platform must conduct a risk assessment and submit it to the EU executive. Zuckerberg stated that X’s fact-checking is impressive in that it carries a meticulous approach to fact-checking.

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Earlier, Meta CEO Zuckerberg claimed that EU data laws enforce censorship on social media and that Europe has an increasing number of laws institutionalising censorship, making it difficult to innovate. However, the European Commission refuted claims of censorship saying that they remove illegal and harmful content, not lawful content.

The new ‘Community Notes’ on Meta allows contributors to write notes on posts they believe are misleading which are then made public if rated as helpful by multiple contributors.

The European Commission has stated that for such a system to be used in the EU, a platform must conduct a risk assessment and submit it to the EU executive.

The Commission spokesperson clarified that the EU does not prescribe the form of content moderation, but rather checks the effectiveness of the measures adopted by platforms. EU users will continue to benefit from independent fact-checking of content posted in the United States.