Meta Community Notes Launch Date Set

Meta will replace its previous fact-checking approach on its platforms with Community Notes. The feature is set to launch on March 18 in the United States, where Contributor-registered users can write and rate Notes, initially with notes not published under author names. Notes can be up to 500 characters and may be added to content across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, with paid ads excluded. Meta argues Community Notes will be less biased by incorporating more diverse perspectives and using an open-source algorithm from X; a Note is published only if people with opposing views agree that it provides helpful context. The rollout will begin gradually from a waitlist, with Germany retaining its current fact-checking system for now and a global expansion date not yet defined. Over 200,000 US users have registered as Contributors. Critics warn about potential manipulation and notes remaining invisible if consensus cannot be reached.