In a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg disclosed that officials from the Biden administration exerted intense pressure on Facebook to censor content related to COVID-19 vaccines. Zuckerberg recounted instances where government representatives would “scream” and “curse” at his team, demanding the removal of posts that discussed vaccine side effects. He emphasized that while the administration aimed to promote vaccination efforts, their approach often involved censoring dissenting opinions, which he found problematic.
This revelation comes amid significant changes at Meta, including the discontinuation of its third-party fact-checking program in favor of a community-driven model known as “Community Notes.” This shift reflects Zuckerberg’s growing discomfort with external pressures and government intervention in content moderation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics argue that this move might lead to an increase in misinformation, while supporters believe it could enhance free expression on the platform.
President Joe Biden has publicly criticized Meta’s decision to end formal fact-checking, calling it “really shameful” and contrary to American values. He expressed concerns that abandoning fact-checking measures could undermine truth and justice in the country.
These developments highlight the ongoing tension between social media platforms and government entities over content moderation, free speech, and the responsibility of tech companies in managing information dissemination.
Although so many individuals and companies have had a slightly different view about Zuckerberg’s revelations calling him a “weak” man who had danced to the tune of the government despite being knowledgeable of the consequences. Some persons however applauded his actions as a courageous one.
This revelations came after Trump’s victory as the new president of the United States of America.
