Meta has introduced a new system for content moderation called “community ratings” available on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This change replaces the traditional fact-checking methods. It has raised concerns in Europe, particularly with Germany’s elections approaching in February.

What Are Meta’s Community Ratings?

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the community ratings system, giving users the ability to rate the accuracy of content. The goal is to promote freedom of expression. Instead of relying on fact-checkers, users can now determine what content is trustworthy. While the change is happening in the U.S. only, it has attracted significant attention in Europe.

In Europe, content moderation is regulated by the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA requires platforms to submit a risk assessment and get approval before changing their moderation practices. Meta’s new system may not align with these regulations, creating potential conflicts.

The EU’s Digital Services Act and Penalties

The DSA sets strict guidelines for platforms to remove harmful content while ensuring transparency. If platforms do not comply, they could face fines of up to 6% of their global revenue. Some critics argue that enforcement has been slow. However, the EU has acted quickly in the past, such as when it banned Russia Today and Sputnik after the Ukraine invasion.

Upcoming EU Discussions on Digital Regulations

On January 24, EU regulators, German officials, and major tech companies will meet to discuss digital regulations. This meeting is important because it takes place just before Germany’s elections. These discussions will likely focus on ensuring platforms follow EU laws during this sensitive period. Meta’s community ratings system is expected to be a key topic.

These talks could have significant implications for digital governance in Europe. The outcome may set the stage for how social media platforms balance user-driven content moderation with regulatory oversight in the future.