Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have voiced their “deep concern” regarding Meta’s decision to end its third-party fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, claiming it is “knowingly putting everyone in harm’s way.”
In a statement posted on their Archewell website, Prince Harry and Meghan urged Meta to “reconsider and reinstate policies to protect all users.”
Last week, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that the company would replace independent fact-checkers with a system similar to X’s “community notes,” where users will determine the accuracy of posts. Zuckerberg explained that the shift was motivated by a desire to “get back to our roots around free expression.”
However, the Sussexes argue that this policy change “directly undermines free speech” and should be a source of concern for everyone. “Contrary to the company’s statements, allowing more abuse and normalizing hate speech serves to silence speech and expression, not foster it,” they said.
They continued, criticizing Meta for showing that its words and commitments lack integrity.
“In an already confusing and, in many cases, intentionally disruptive information environment, Meta has once again prioritized profit, chaos, and control over public safety,” they said. “The company’s decision to roll back protections is so far removed from its stated values that it’s now deeply deceptive.”
The couple also expressed their concern that Meta’s decision contradicts its mission to “build human connection” and instead prioritizes those using the platform to spread hate, lies, and division.
For the past five years, one of Harry and Meghan’s main focuses has been internet safety, particularly for children and young people. Last August, they launched The Parents’ Network, which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for parents whose children have been harmed by social media.
In their statement, the Duke and Duchess also expressed alarm over Meta’s plans to abandon its commitments to diversity and equity, as well as internal policy changes that undermine protections for marginalized communities.
They pointed out that these decisions align with concerns raised by experts, whistleblowers, and families about online harm, especially regarding children’s safety. “Platform design, dictated by internal policies, directly determines our online experience,” they said. “To ignore this is knowingly putting everyone in harm’s way and contributing to a global mental health crisis.”
