Meta Platforms, led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg, has announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking program across its platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Active since 2016, this program will be replaced by a community-driven moderation system similar to X’s (formerly Twitter) Community Notes designed to empower users to address misinformation collaboratively.
This shift could significantly impact the Philippines, where media and information literacy (MIL) remains a pressing concern. According to We Are Social’s 2024 report, the Philippines had 86.98 million internet users in January 2024, representing a 73.6% penetration rate.
However, many Filipinos still rely heavily on social media for news consumption. A 2021 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 51% of adult Filipinos struggle to identify misinformation on television, radio, or social media.
The prevalence of fake news is a recognized issue in the country. A Pulse Asia survey conducted in September 2022 found that 86% of Filipinos view the spread of fake news as a significant problem. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have been criticized as key channels for disseminating false narratives, a phenomenon observed even beyond the Philippines.
Coupled with limited MIL, this environment enables misinformation to thrive, influencing public perception on critical issues such as elections, public health, and policymaking.
Meta’s move to community-based moderation raises concerns about its ability to address misinformation effectively. Without expert fact-checkers to verify content, community moderation risks becoming vulnerable to bias, manipulation, and the spread of coordinated false campaigns.
Bad actors could exploit such systems, further amplifying misinformation. This risk is especially alarming in a country where daily news consumption is predominantly done via social media.
PAHAYAG’s First Quarter Survey 2024 stipulated that 52% of Filipinos access news through social media daily, surpassing television as the primary source.
In a country where media literacy initiatives are still developing, this change could erode public trust in online information. The heavy reliance on social media for news means unchecked falsehoods have the potential to shape public opinion, deepen political polarization, and exacerbate societal divides.
Strengthening MIL programs and adopting localized moderation strategies are crucial to mitigating these risks.
