Meta tests out putting fact-checking in users’ hands across Latin America

Meta is expanding its shift away from professional fact-checking. The tech giant announced it's trialling it's crowdsourced "Community Notes" system across 16 countries in Latin America. Meta says the system will only fully roll out once it is confident it works, but critics warn that with misinformation, manipulated images and AI-generated content spreading rapidly, crowdsourced checks may come too late to prevent false claims from reaching millions. Vedika Bahl explains the risks. The list covers Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. The move is part of Meta’s wider effort to replace its network of professional fact-checking partners with a system that puts more responsibility for identifying misleading content in the hands of its users. The company began recruiting contributors in the region on Wednesday. But during the initial testing phase, Community Notes will not be visible to the wider public. Meta has not given a timeline for a full rollout, saying it will expand the system once it is confident it works effectively. So, what are Community Notes? It's insp...