Maria Ressa, a Filipino journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has warned of “extremely dangerous times ahead” following social media giant Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program in the United States on Facebook and Instagram. In an exclusive interview with AFP, Ressa expressed deep concern over the decision, stating that it poses significant threats to journalism, democracy, and the safety of social media users.
Ressa, who co-founded the news site Rappler, has been a vocal critic of the widespread disinformation on social media, especially in the Philippines, where misinformation played a crucial role during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte’s controversial drug war, which led to thousands of deaths, was a key issue that Rappler investigated while Ressa and her team faced multiple legal cases. These included accusations of cyber libel and tax evasion, widely believed to be politically motivated in retaliation for Ressa’s critical reporting.
In her remarks, Ressa pointed out the dangerous implications of Meta’s move. “Mark Zuckerberg says it’s a free speech issue — that’s completely wrong,” she told AFP in Rappler’s Manila newsroom. “Only if you’re profit-driven can you claim that; only if you want power and money can you claim that. This is about safety,” she added, highlighting the broader concerns over the erosion of responsible information-sharing on social media platforms.
Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program in the US has drawn significant criticism from journalists, activists, and other experts who argue that it undermines efforts to curb the spread of fake news, which has been particularly influential in shaping public opinion and political discourse. This move also raises questions about the platform’s commitment to combatting the rising tide of disinformation, which has fueled political polarization, misinformation about public health, and the manipulation of election processes.
Ressa’s warnings about the dangers of unregulated content echo her broader concerns about the state of free speech and the responsibility of tech companies in safeguarding democracy. As an advocate for journalistic integrity, she emphasized that the role of the media is to ensure the truth, particularly in volatile times when misinformation can have serious consequences.
Meta’s move comes at a time when the global conversation about the influence of social media on democracy and society is intensifying. While the company claims that the end of the fact-checking program is related to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in moderating content, critics argue that the decision reflects a growing reluctance among tech companies to take responsibility for the spread of harmful content.
Maria Ressa’s fight against disinformation and her ongoing legal battles in the Philippines serve as a powerful reminder of the challenges journalists face in an era of digital misinformation. As one of the leading figures in the global battle for press freedom, Ressa continues to advocate for the protection of journalism as a critical pillar of democracy.
With Meta’s decision and the continuing legal struggles faced by many journalists worldwide, Ressa’s warning about the “dangerous times ahead” seems more urgent than ever, signaling a potential crisis for both journalism and the social media landscape.