Is Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg stealing from Elon Musk’s playbook? Meta is about to launch a new feature that looks remarkably similar to one pioneered by Musk’s X platform.
At a glance:
• Meta is introducing “Community Notes” to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, using technology developed by Elon Musk’s X platform
• The feature will crowdsource fact-checking instead of relying solely on third-party fact-checkers
• Testing begins next week in the U.S. with approximately 200,000 people already signed up as potential contributors
• Contributors can submit notes on most content except advertisements, including posts by Meta executives and public figures
• Experts warn the system could be exploited and may not fully replace formal fact-checking methods
Meta Adopts Musk’s Innovation for Content Moderation
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is officially borrowing from Elon Musk’s technology playbook. The social media giant announced it will incorporate the open-source algorithm from X’s Community Notes feature across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
This strategic move signals a significant shift in how Meta plans to handle misinformation on its platforms. Zuckerberg has proposed using Community Notes as a replacement for third-party fact-checking in the United States. Meta is finally ditching the Woke left, at least in terms of fact checking.
How Community Notes Will Work on Meta Platforms
The testing phase for Community Notes begins next week, with a rollout limited to users in the United States. Interested contributors must meet certain criteria to participate in the program.
Unlike traditional content moderation, the new system will allow notes to be added to virtually all content except advertisements. Even posts by Meta itself, its executives, and public figures will be subject to community input.
Mark Zuckerberg says Meta's 'community notes' are inspired by Elon Musk's X. Here's how they work — and how they don't. https://t.co/bCMTxVbkYf
— Business Insider (@BusinessInsider) January 8, 2025
Potential Concerns and Future Expansion
Meta has implemented safeguards against manipulation by requiring agreement between different contributors before publishing a note – just like on X. The company claims this consensus requirement will prevent organized groups from gaming the system.
Meta has not committed to open-sourcing its version of Community Notes despite using X’s open-source algorithm as its foundation, however. And given that’s a key part of how it works on X, it’s essential that Meta goes ahead and makes that happen.
