The largest fact-checking coalition in Indonesia, CekFakta.com, which has been actively engaged in fact-checking activities in Southeast Asia since 2018, expresses disappointment and shock regarding Meta’s recent policy to end its Third Party Fact-Checking Program starting in the United States. We also deplores its CEO’s statements linking fact-checking with political bias and censorship.
Fact-checkers are held to the highest standards of non-biased reporting, transparency, integrity and accountability. We are monitored by the public and regularly assessed by independent body such as International Fact Checking Network.
As one of the largest social media platforms in the world, Facebook and Instagram have a significant influence on the spread of mis/disinformation, including in Indonesia.
As of December 2024, Facebook users in Indonesia reached at least 174 million, or about 63% of Indonesia’s total population of 275 million. Additionally, Instagram users in Indonesia, reached 90.1 million. These numbers demonstrate the immense responsibility Meta holds in ensuring its platforms are not used to disseminate false or misleading information.
Since 2018, the fact-checking program coordinated by the CekFakta.com Coalition, in collaboration with digital platforms, has been a crucial step in combating mis/disinformation in Indonesia. This program involves 100 media organizations, journalists, and independent fact-checkers committed to maintaining the integrity of public information. The presence of this program not only helps reduce the spread of hoaxes but also improves the digital literacy in our communities.
Meta’s decision to terminate the fact-checking program with third parties in the United States raises concerns about its potential impact on Meta’s commitments in other countries, including Indonesia. This policy could undermine efforts to combat the spread of false information on Meta’s platforms, especially in countries with low levels of digital literacy. It could also trigger massive spread of hoaxes and propaganda, given the extensive reach of users in Indonesia.
CekFakta.com Coalition believes this termination and its replacement with Community Notes and other content moderation program based on algorithms, are not an effective solution compared to fact-checking by independent media.
Therefore, we urges Meta to:
1. Clarify the impact of this policy change on fact-checking programs in other countries.
2. Reverse this decision and double down on supporting fact-checking programs around the world.
3. Engage more often and substantially with important stakeholders in combating mis/disinformation.
We believes that Meta’s proactive steps in supporting fact-checking programs all these years are a concrete manifestation of the company’s social responsibility toward its users worldwide. We hope Meta will reconsider this policy and continue to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the integrity of information on its platforms, particularly in countries with large user bases like Indonesia.
For further information and interview, please contact Adi Marsiela (Coordinator Coalition) at info@cekfakta.com