Meta’s latest social network, Threads, has launched its own fact-checking program after relying on Instagram and Facebook’s existing infrastructure for several months. Initially dubbed as a “Twitter Killer”, the platform was internally known as “Project 92” and was officially launched on July 5th, 2023 and reportedly has 10.3 million daily active users at present.
This development was announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who revealed that fact-checkers now have the capability to rate and flag false content directly on Threads. However, Mosseri did not disclose specific details about the exact rollout date or whether the program is limited to certain regions.
Currently, the exact fact-checking organizations partnered with Meta for this initiative remain unclear. Requests for further details have been made to the company, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The timing of this new program appears to be strategically aligned with preparations for the upcoming U.S. elections. While India is in the midst of its general elections, it seems improbable that a social network would introduce a new fact-checking program during an ongoing election cycle. Such initiatives are typically rolled out well in advance to ensure proper functioning and effectiveness during critical times.
In December, Meta had signaled its intention to expand the fact-checking program to Threads. At that time, Mosseri noted that the company was using fact-check ratings from Facebook and Instagram on Threads, but aimed to enable fact-checking partners to directly review and rate misinformation on the app itself.
This move reflects Meta’s broader strategy to combat misinformation across its platforms, particularly as significant electoral events loom. By enhancing its fact-checking capabilities, Meta aims to ensure the integrity of information shared on Threads, thereby fostering a more informed and reliable digital environment. This initiative underscores the critical role of accurate information in the present digital age and Meta’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by misinformation.
