Join the Conversation: Meta Opens Sign-Ups for Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads!
Meta has officially launched its Community Notes program on popular platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. This new initiative comes after the company’s recent decision to discontinue its third-party fact-checking program, opting instead for a model that empowers users to identify misleading content. This shift mirrors a similar approach seen on Twitter, now rebranded as X.
What is the Community Notes Program?
In a blog post, Meta detailed how the Community Notes program will function. Users across its platforms will have the ability to flag posts they find misleading and provide additional context. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the quality of information shared on Meta’s platforms.
How to Sign Up for Community Notes
Starting today, individuals can register to become early contributors to the Community Notes program. Here are the eligibility requirements:
- Must be a resident of the United States
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have an account older than six months
- Account should be in good standing
- Must have a verified phone number or be enrolled in two-factor authentication
Submitting Community Notes
Contributors will have the opportunity to write and submit Community Notes for posts they believe are misleading. Similar to the system on X, these Notes can include:
- Background information
- Helpful tips
- Additional details relevant to the post
Each Note is restricted to a 500-character limit and must include a link for reference.
Criteria for Approval of Community Notes
For a Community Note to be published, it requires agreement from users who typically hold opposing views based on their past ratings. If there is no consensus or if users agree that a Note is not helpful, it will not be added to the content.
Commitment to Transparency
Meta emphasizes that the Community Notes will be crafted and evaluated by contributors rather than the company itself. All contributions must comply with Meta’s Community Standards.
“We intend to be transparent about how different viewpoints inform the Notes displayed in our apps, and are working on the right way to share this information,” Meta stated.
Future Plans for Community Notes
Meta plans to roll out Community Notes in the United States over the next few months but has yet to announce when it will expand the feature to other countries. This strategic shift away from traditional fact-checking has sparked discussions about its implications, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential elections. Mark Zuckerberg previously remarked on video that the previous fact-checking approach was “too politically biased” and contributed to a decline in trust.
For more information on Meta’s initiatives and updates, visit their official news page.
