The moderation systems of both Meta and TikTok are far from perfect and constantly make mistakes. Earlier this week, Taylor Lorenz reported Meta banned queer content and hashtags deemed “sensitive content”, including hashtags such as #trans, #lesbianpride, and #bisexualpride. As recently as OctoberTikTok fired hundreds of content moderation employees and replaced them with AI.
But it's Instagram, and specifically its Reels product, that is known for harassment. With Zuckerberg's decision to rescind policies excluding hate speech, he has made clear that the distinction is worthwhile for the potential for political impact on Inauguration Day.
There is a possibility that other platforms may also follow suit. Elon Musk was the first to set an example of trust and security by purchasing X two years ago. Following Meta's announcement on Tuesday, YouTube declined to comment. When asked by the Wall Street Journal If it would lead to similar fact-checking and policy changes, that certainly seems to leave the door open.
However, it appears that TikTok's parent company is still interested in fact-checking and moderation. speaking to cnnA Meta fact-checker said it would remain operational with funding coming from others, including ByteDance.
For US users, it really only matters as long as TikTok exists in the US. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments tomorrow in a case related to the government's efforts to ban the popular app across the country. If SCOTUS doesn't defund TikTok by January 19, or some magical deal with an American owner isn't struck from the ether, the app — which many users, who have free speech rights of their own, view as a safer place than Let's see the option – it will end.
chat rooms
X has seen at least two mass exodus since Elon Musk took the stage in 2022. The first occurred shortly after Musk closed the deal, and the second occurred shortly after he called for Trump in the recent US election.
In light of this week's news, are you planning to leave the Meta platform? Do you no longer feel safe on Facebook or Instagram? I'd love to hear how your social media habits are changing.
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send them mail@wired.com,
Wired reads
want more? Subscribe now For unlimited access to WIRED.
What else are we reading
Students charged in TikTok scheme to 'capture stalkers': A group of Massachusetts college students have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy after coordinating to catch a hunter-Like conducting a “sting” operation on campus and posting it on TikTok. (new York Times)
Facebook removes internal employee criticism of new board member Dana White: Meta is removing employee criticism over the hiring of UFC CEO Dana White from an internal company messaging system. Some employees commented about a 2023 video of White slapping his wife at a bar on New Year's Eve. (404 media)
Heritage Foundation plans to 'identify and target' Wikipedia editors:The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 publisher, recently told investors that it plans to use facial recognition software and hacked content dumps to identify Wikipedia editors. (Ahead)
download
On Friday, I'll join some of my other WIRED colleagues to cover oral arguments in the TikTok v. US case. Our live blog of the day's events will be on our site before kickoff at 10 a.m. ET. C-SPAN is streaming the arguments live here,
Also, it's a TikTok The coldest meeting on 6th January,
That's all for today—thanks again for subscribing. you can contact me via email, Instagram, xAnd signal on McKenkelly.32.