Comment: Meta without moderation – Zuckerberg risks digital chaos
Zuckerberg's U-turn on freedom of expression is naive, says, “heise medien” editor-in-chief Torsten Beeck. Meta risks becoming a swamp of disinformation.
(Image: Koshiro K/Shutterstock.com)
Mark Zuckerberg has decided largely to discontinue moderation and fact-checking on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Instead, he wants to rely on a community model that works similar to Elon Musk's “Community Notes”. A radical step that could lead to a digital catastrophe under the guise of freedom of opinion.
The fairy tale of freedom of expression
Zuckerberg speaks of a triumph of freedom of opinion and speech. But the reality is different. Social networks such as Facebook and Instagram are not neutral. They are driven by algorithms that maximize interactions. The more polarizing or emotional the content, the greater its reach. Without moderation, this effect will explode. The result? A flood of disinformation, hate speech and radicalization. But porn, abuse, and drug dealing will also become a problem for the platforms and users.
Anyone who believes that a “free platform” automatically leads to better discourse is ignoring experience. 4chan or Telegram show where this leads: toxic spaces that are abused by extremist groups.
Trust squandered, credibility destroyed
Moderation and fact checks are not perfect, but they give users a minimum level of security. If Zuckerberg removes this protection, many users will lose trust in his platforms. Without moderation, Facebook becomes a playground for trolls and opens up every opportunity for propaganda and disinformation campaigns.
A look at X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk shows where this course can lead. Since the abolition of basic moderation mechanisms, the platform has descended into chaos. Advertisers are fleeing, user numbers are stagnating and credibility is at rock bottom. Zuckerberg risks the same fate – only on an even bigger global stage.
Economic suicide?
Meta lives from advertising. But companies would rather not see their ads next to hate comments or fake news. If the moderation ban poisons the environment on Facebook and Instagram, advertisers will withdraw their budgets. This is not just a risk, it is a foreseeable scenario.
There is also the threat of legal consequences. The European Digital Services Act (DSA) stipulates clear rules for dealing with disinformation and illegal content. Platforms that fail to act can face severe penalties. Zuckerberg is playing with fire – and putting Meta's business model at risk.
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Zuckerberg's social responsibility
Meta is not a hobby project, but one of the most powerful communication platforms. Zuckerberg has a responsibility – to his users and to society. Its platforms shape public debates and influence how we communicate with each other. Abolishing moderation in this context opens the door to manipulation, hatred, and chaos.
The invocation of “freedom of speech” is pure window dressing. True freedom of speech does not mean that every lie and every hate comment can be spread unfiltered. Rather, it requires a space in which fact-based discussions are possible.
Conclusion: The beginning of the end?
Zuckerberg's decision is not courageous, it is naive. Meta risks becoming a digital swamp in which disinformation and extremism thrive. The change, of course, may bring applause from freedom of expression purists in the short term, but in the long term it threatens the loss of trust, users, and advertising revenue.
The end of moderation is not a step towards freedom, but a step backwards into digital chaos. Zuckerberg must understand: If you don't protect your platforms, you destroy them.
Transparency note: Torsten Beeck was Strategic Partner Manager at Meta for three years.
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