Table of Contents
Both Meta and TikTok’s moderation systems are far from perfect and make mistakes constantly. Earlier this week, Taylor Lorenz reported that Meta restricted queer content and hashtags as “sensitive content,” including hashtags like #trans, #lesbianpride, and #bisexualpride. As recently as OctoberTikTok laid off hundreds of content moderation workers and replaced them with AI.
But it’s Instagram, and especially its Reels product, that has a reputation for harassment. With Zuckerberg’s decision to rescind policies banning hate speech, he has made clear that the distinction is worth the chance for political influence on Inauguration Day.
There is a chance that other platforms will follow suit. Elon Musk was the first to set the precedent of trust and security when he bought X two years ago. Following Meta’s announcement on Tuesday, YouTube declined to comment. when asked by the Wall Street Journal if it made similar policy changes and fact-checking, which certainly seems to leave the door open.
However, it seems like TikTok’s parent company is still interested in fact-checking and moderation. Speaking with CNNa Meta fact-checker said it will remain operational with funding coming from, among others, Bytedance.
For U.S. users, this only matters as long as TikTok exists in the U.S. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case involving the government’s attempts to ban the popular app nationwide. If SCOTUS doesn’t save TikTok by Jan. 19, or if some magical deal with an American owner isn’t consummated, the app—which many users, who have free speech rights of their own, see as a safer space than its alternative—will disappear.
The chat room
X has seen at least two mass exoduses since Elon Musk took over the platform in 2022. The first occurred shortly after Musk closed the deal, and the second came shortly after Trump was called in the US election most recent.
In light of this week’s news, do you plan to leave Meta platforms? Do you no longer feel safe on Facebook or Instagram? I’d love to hear how your social media habits are changing.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or send them to mail@wired.com.
Wired readings
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What else are we reading?
🔗 Students accused of participating in TikTok scheme to ‘catch a predator’: A group of Massachusetts college students have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy after coordinating a To catch a predator–like a “sting” operation on campus and post it on TikTok. (New York Times)
🔗 Facebook removes internal employee criticism of new board member Dana White: Meta is removing employee criticism over the hiring of UFC CEO Dana White from an internal company messaging system. Some employees commented on a 2023 video of White slapping his wife in a bar on New Year’s Eve. (404 Media)
🔗 Heritage Foundation plans to ‘identify and target’ Wikipedia editors: The Heritage Foundation, the publisher of Project 2025, recently told investors that it plans to use facial recognition software and dumps of hacked material to identify Wikipedia editors. (Forward)
The download
On Friday, I’ll join a handful of my other WIRED colleagues to cover oral arguments in the TikTok v. United States case. Our live blog of the day’s events will be available on our site before things get underway at 10am ET. C-SPAN transmits the arguments live here.
Also, this is a TikTok of the the most relaxed meeting on January 6.
That’s all for today. Thanks again for subscribing. You can contact me by email, instagram, unknownand Signal at makenakelly.32.