Users Flee Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Over Policy Changes.

Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has made some major changes to its policies recently. These changes have upset many users, who are now leaving the platforms.

NBC News looked at hundreds of social media posts and comments that many users said they would delete their Meta accounts, stop posting, or boycott the company because of the recent changes.

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One of the main reasons for the backlash is Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program in the US. This program helped to identify and correct false information on the platforms. Without it, users are worried that misinformation will spread more easily.

Another change that has upset users is Meta’s update to its policy on hateful conduct. The new policy allows users to describe LGBTQ+ people as “mentally ill”, which many see as discriminatory and hurtful.

Meta has also disbanded its diversity, equity, and inclusion team, which was responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion on the platforms. This move has been seen as a step backwards for the company.

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In addition, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced a new community notes system, similar to one used by Elon Musk’s X platform.

This system will allow users to add notes to posts they disagree with, which some see as a way to promote harassment and bullying.

It was said that some users feel trapped on Meta platforms, especially WhatsApp and Instagram because they use the services to communicate with family and friends and policy changes are affecting them badly.

Also, some users are moving to alternative platforms like Bluesky, Amigahood, or Tumblr. Taking to the X platform, a user wrote: “Since Meta decided to stop its bad censorship practices, will it return Facebook accounts it deleted for no unexplained reasons? They have deleted my account which I used for over a decade. I thank X for influencing Facebook to respect freedom of speech.”

Since @Meta decided to stop its bad censorship practices, will it return the Facebook accounts it deleted for no unexplained reasons? They have deleted my account which I used for over a decade. I thank @X and @elonmusk for influencing Facebook to respect freedom of speech. pic.twitter.com/OGZIKFLcxw

— Ephrem Eshete Ephrem (@EphremKesis) January 11, 2025