Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have criticized Meta’s decision to end its fact-checking program, describing it as a “highly misleading” move.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have voiced strong opposition to Meta’s decision to cease fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram.
On January 13, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a statement via their Archewell Foundation, criticizing the change. Both Meghan (43) and Harry (40) have long championed the cause of creating a safer online environment.
Last year, they introduced The Parents Network as a central initiative of Archewell, aiming to assist families affected by the negative impact of social media.
In their statement, titled «Fact-checking Media,» the couple expressed concern that Meta’s new policies undermine free speech across political spectrums. «Regardless of your political leanings, the latest news from Meta on policy changes should raise alarms for all of us,» the statement read.
«Contrary to Meta’s messaging, enabling more abuse and normalizing hate speech suppresses free speech, rather than fostering it.»
They further criticized Meta for its lack of accountability, arguing that the company’s actions show its commitments to user safety have little substance or integrity. They pointed out that the changes seem driven by political agendas rather than a commitment to public welfare, particularly referencing the upcoming inauguration of President Donald Trump.
The statement also emphasized Meta’s vast global user base, which spans across platforms like Threads and WhatsApp, and condemned the company’s decision to prioritize hate and division over connection.
«The political climate in one nation should never dictate whether fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, are upheld in digital spaces that shape our world,» the statement argued.
Additionally, the Duke and Duchess raised alarms about Meta’s reported reduction of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
This move follows a January 7 announcement from CEO Mark Zuckerberg that Meta would no longer rely on third-party fact-checking.
«We are deeply troubled by the abandonment of commitments to diversity and equity, along with policy changes that diminish protections for marginalized groups,» the Archewell statement said. «Ignoring this contributes to the ongoing global mental health crisis, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.»
In closing, the couple called on Meta to reverse its decision and restore protections for users, urging others in positions of power to prioritize online safety.
They also expressed their ongoing support for various organizations advocating for accountability, including The Center for Critical Internet Inquiry and the 5Rights Foundation.
Harry and Meghan’s statement concluded by reaffirming their commitment to promoting responsibility and safeguarding online spaces for all. «We believe that corporations, including Meta, must uphold the same ethical and moral standards expected of everyone else,» they added.
Prince Harry had previously spoken on the dangers of social media at the 2024 DealBook Summit, where he shared his perspective as a father.
The couple’s focus on creating a safer digital environment for their children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3), remains a personal mission.
In an unexpected move, Meghan returned to social media on January 1 by launching an Instagram account, @meghan.
Despite the account’s focus on sharing positive updates, Meghan has disabled comments and is not following anyone, likely to maintain her peace as she re-engages with the platform.
