Both Meta and TikTok's moderation systems are imperfect and constantly make mistakes. Earlier this week, Taylor Lorenz reported Meta has restricted queer content and hashtags as “sensitive content,” including hashtags like #trans, #lesbianpride, and #bisexpride. Most recently in OctoberTikTok has fired hundreds of content moderators, replacing them with AI.
But it is Instagram and especially its Reels product that is notorious for harassment. With Zuckerberg's decision to roll back hate speech blocking policies, he's made it clear that that distinction is worth the potential for political influence on Inauguration Day.
It's likely that other platforms could follow suit. Elon Musk was the first to set a precedent for trust and safety when he bought X two years ago. After Meta's announcement on Tuesday, YouTube declined to comment when asked by The Wall Street Journal whether it will make similar policy changes and fact-checks, this certainly seems to leave the door open.
However, it seems that TikTok's parent company is still interested in fact-checking and moderation. Talking to CNNa Meta fact-checker says it will still operate with funding coming from Bytedance, among others.
For US users, this only really matters as long as TikTok exists in the US. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case involving the government's attempt to ban the popular app nationwide. If SCOTUS doesn't save TikTok by January 19 or some magical deal with its American owner isn't consummated from the ether, the app's many users, who have their own speech rights, will consider a safer space than its application. replacement—will be no more.
Chat room
X has seen at least two mass exodus since Elon Musk took over the platform in 2022. The first happened shortly after Musk closed the deal, and the second took place not long after the most recent US election was called for Trump.
In light of this week's news, are you planning to abandon the Meta platform? Don't feel safe on Facebook or Instagram anymore? I want to know how your social media habits are changing.
Share your thoughts in the comments section below or send them to mail@wired.com.
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What else are we reading?
🔗 Student Charged in TikTok Scheme 'To Catch Predators': A group of Massachusetts college students have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy after coordinating a crime. To catch a predator–like “sting” activity on campus and post it to TikTok. (New York Times)
đź”— Facebook removes internal employee criticism of new board member Dana White: Meta is removing employee criticism of the hiring of UFC CEO Dana White from the company's internal messaging system. Several employees commented on the 2023 video of White slapping his wife at a bar on New Year's Eve. (Media 404)
đź”— Heritage Foundation Plans to 'Identify and Target' Wikipedia Editors: The Heritage Foundation, publisher of Project 2025, recently informed investors that it plans to use facial recognition software and attack document repositories to identify Wikipedia editors . (Front)
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On Friday, I will join several of my other WIRED colleagues in delivering oral arguments in TikTok v. United States. Our live blog of the day's events will appear on our website before things kick off at 10 a.m. ET. C-SPAN is broadcasting the arguments live here.
Also, this is a TikTok of The coldest encounter was on January 6th.
That's all for today—thanks again for checking in. You can contact me via email, Instagram, Xand Signals at makenakelly.32.