Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled plans for Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to ditch its fact-checking and diversity and inclusion programs.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched a public attack on Meta’s latest policy changes, condemning the social media giant for undermining free speech and abandoning public safety protections.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over the company’s recent decisions, which they claim prioritise profit over user wellbeing.
The statement said: “It doesn’t matter whether your views are left, right or somewhere in between—the latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech.
“This should deeply concern us all.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched a public attack on Meta’s latest policy changes, condemning the social media giant for undermining free speech and abandoning public safety protections.
“Allowing more abuse and normalizing hate speech serves to silence speech and expression, not foster it,” the couple added, describing Meta’s actions as “deeply deceptive.”
They warned that the company’s latest moves ,which include ditching its fact-checking program, could have profound global implications, particularly for those “still recovering from or actively suffering from” the impact of social media platforms.
In their statement, the couple highlighted Meta’s alleged shift away from its stated mission to “build human connection,” suggesting the platform now favours those spreading “hate, lies and division.”
They argued that Meta’s decisions appear to be “responding to political winds” rather than maintaining their commitments to users and families.
“Meta has shown their words and commitments have very little meaning or integrity,” the Duke and Duchess declared.
They argued that Meta’s decisions appear to be “responding to political winds” rather than maintaining their commitments to users and families.
The couple emphasised that social media platforms must be designed with “public safety and well-being at their core.”
They criticised the company for “disregarding any responsibility” over its power to shape public discourse, claiming decisions were being guided by “ego or profit, likely both.”
The Sussex statement warned that these changes could affect hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
The Duke and Duchess expressed particular alarm over Meta’s plans to “abandon commitments to diversity and equity” and policy changes affecting marginalised communities.
They argued that Meta’s revised Hateful Content Policies would create an environment where “abuse and hate speech silence and threaten the voices of whole communities who make up a healthy democracy.”
The couple emphasised that social media platforms must be designed with “public safety and well-being at their core.”
In response to Meta’s policy changes, Harry and Meghan announced their continued support for organisations promoting online safety and accountability.
They specifically highlighted their backing for the Center for Critical Internet Inquiry, Parents Together, 5Rights Foundation, and Accountable Tech, among others.
The couple revealed new contributions to help policymakers better understand platform design impacts.
They also announced a partnership with Screen Sanity to develop safety-by-design modules for parents.
Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple pledged to continue promoting accountability and protecting communities in the digital age.
They called on Meta’s advertisers and shareholders to demand the same standards.
