Leaks suggest Meta is already working on its alternative to fact-checking.
Meta is taking a bold step in its moderation strategy by introducing a Community Notes feature on Threads, similar to the crowdsourced fact-checking system pioneered on X (formerly Twitter). This move signals a significant shift away from professional fact-checking and towards user-driven content oversight. Developer Alessandro Paluzzi, known for sharing early insights into Meta’s projects, has offered a sneak peek into this new feature with a series of leaked screenshots.
A First Look at Threads’ Community Notes
Paluzzi’s screenshots reveal an early iteration of Community Notes on Threads, showcasing a feature that allows users to contribute fact-checking notes to posts. A new “Write Community Note” option is visible within the dropdown menu accessible from the corner of a Threads post. Selecting this option enables users to anonymously submit their notes, which could then appear beneath the post if deemed helpful by the community.
The functionality closely mirrors X’s Community Notes, which originated as “Birdwatch” prior to Elon Musk’s acquisition of the platform. Threads’ implementation could democratize fact-checking and empower users to combat misinformation collaboratively. However, it also raises questions about potential misuse or bias in this crowdsourced system.
Engadget has reached out to Meta for further details on the rollout and functionality of Community Notes. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Threads’ Evolving Moderation Philosophy
The introduction of Community Notes is part of Meta’s broader reimagining of moderation practices for Threads. Historically, the platform avoided hosting or promoting political content, seeking to distinguish itself as a neutral and casual social space. However, Meta appears to be pivoting towards greater inclusivity in content recommendations—even for political topics.
Instagram and Threads head Adam Mosseri recently demonstrated how users can customize their exposure to political content. In a video shared on Threads, Mosseri introduced three new options for adjusting the political content in users’ feeds:
- See Less: Minimizes exposure to political posts.
- Standard: Offers a balanced suggestion of political content.
- See More: Treats political content like any other category, integrating it fully into the feed.
This shift not only aligns Threads more closely with Meta’s evolving vision of “free speech” but also highlights the company’s efforts to empower users with greater control over their experience.
Will Community Notes Solve Threads’ Challenges?
The changes—from Community Notes to political content toggles—are designed to address some of the growing pains Threads has faced since its high-profile launch. Despite its early success in amassing millions of users, the app has struggled to maintain engagement, partly due to criticisms over its limited functionality and unclear purpose in the social media landscape.
Community Notes could be a double-edged sword for Threads. On one hand, it aligns with Meta’s attempt to champion free speech and user empowerment. On the other, the potential for abuse, echo chambers, and misinformation within a crowdsourced system cannot be ignored. X’s experience with Community Notes has demonstrated both the potential and pitfalls of such an approach, with inconsistent results depending on the quality and objectivity of contributors.
The toggles for political content, meanwhile, seem designed to strike a balance between user preference and Meta’s desire to expand the scope of discussions on Threads. Yet, the effectiveness of these tools in addressing user concerns remains uncertain. Many users have called for features like improved search, chronological feeds, and better integration with Instagram—issues that these new moderation features do not address.
Meta’s Free Speech Pivot
Meta’s recent moves suggest a deliberate effort to reframe Threads as a platform that values open dialogue and diverse perspectives. By introducing Community Notes and loosening restrictions on political content, the company is stepping into the contentious arena of “free speech” while attempting to balance moderation with user autonomy.
Whether these changes will resonate with users remains to be seen. For now, the testing of Community Notes marks an intriguing new chapter in Threads’ evolution. As Meta continues to refine its approach, the platform’s ability to foster meaningful engagement and combat misinformation will likely play a critical role in its long-term success.
Stay tuned for more updates on Threads’ latest features and their impact on the social media landscape.
