Meta’s factchecking partners brace for layoffs

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Meta’s factchecking partners brace for layoffs
Author: Rachel Leingang
Published: Jan, 08 2025 22:29

Meta has provided over $100m for certified organizations to conduct factchecks on its platforms since 2016. Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to end factchecking on Facebook and Instagram in the US already has factchecking journalists bracing for cuts at their organizations, given the size of Meta’s funding.

The social media giant has provided more than $100m for outside organizations certified by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) to conduct factchecks on its social networks since 2016, which would result in posts receiving accuracy ratings and having their reach reduced if false. Major outlets like USA Today and Reuters have partnered with the social media company for these factchecks, as have factcheck specific sites like FactCheck.org. In all, 10 outlets are listed by Meta as current partners in the US.

Several of the partner organizations have confirmed they’re taking a financial hit that will likely lead to fewer employees. Lead Stories, one of Meta’s factcheck partners, confirmed its staff would take a hit as a result of the decision. “Lead Stories will see a drop in revenue with the loss of the Meta contract, which will result in a staffing reduction,” cofounder Alan Duke said in an email. Lead Stories employs about 80 people globally and performs factchecks for ByteDance, parent company of TikTok, as well as Meta.

Jesse Stiller, managing editor of Check Your Fact, an affiliate of the conservative Daily Caller outlet co-founded by Tucker Carlson, said: “We are shocked at the decision and we are uncertain about the future.” A spokesperson told CNN that Check Your Fact’s work would be “impacted greatly and our operations will be grounded to a halt”.

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