Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program and remove protection on topics such as gender and immigrants has sparked widespread backlash from civil society organizations, activists, and experts.

Critics warn the move could exacerbate hate speech, disinformation, and online harassment. Global Witness described the move as ‘dangerous’ for women, LGBT+ individuals, and people of colour, who already face disproportionate online abuse. The Centre for Information Resilience described the decision as a ‘major step back’ amid rising harmful content and disinformation.

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre called on legislators in Europe and other jurisdictions to ‘stand firm’ and uphold protective frameworks.

In Latin America, over 170 organizations, coordinated by Coalizão Direitos na Rede and Al Sur, signed an open letter condemning Meta’s actions and urging governments to protect digital rights. Meanwhile, Brazil’s government has described the changes as ‘extremely serious’.