The operator of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads has been backing off moderation recently, and fact-checking has always been contentious. But it’s probably smart to do it two weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office — and nominates a Federal Communications Commission head who’s threatened the company over it.

In reality, Meta dumping its fact-checking partnerships is unlikely to make the internet any more a morass of bias, argument, ad hominem attacks and blatant propaganda. (Or any more a paragon of truth.

The changes will affect Facebook, Instagram and Threads, three of the world's biggest social media platforms with more than 3 billion users globally.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg ends fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in favor of community notes, calling the recent election “a cultural tipping point.”

Meta - the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads​ - said it's ending its fact-checking program. What does that mean for social media?

CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the move is an attempt to restore free expression on Meta's platforms. The pivot comes as Zuckerberg looks to build ties with the incoming Trump administration.