The future of the Internet looks bleaker by the day

Both Meta’s and TikTok’s moderation systems are far from perfect and constantly make mistakes. Earlier this week, Taylor Lorenz reported Meta has restricted queer content and hashtags as “sensitive content,” including hashtags such as #trans, #lesbianpride, and #bisexualpride. Most recently in OctoberTikTok has laid off hundreds of content moderation workers, replacing them with artificial intelligence.

But it’s Instagram, especially the Reels product, that has a reputation for harassment. With Zuckerberg’s decision to rescind policies prohibiting hate speech, he made clear that discrimination is worth the potential for political influence on Inauguration Day.

There is a possibility that other platforms will follow suit. Elon Musk was the first to set the precedent for trust and security when he bought the X two years ago. After Meta’s announcement on Tuesday, YouTube declined to comment When the Wall Street Journal asked If she were to make similar fact-checking and policy changes, which it certainly seems to leave the door open.

However, it appears that TikTok’s parent company is still interested in fact-checking and moderation. He speaks with CNNOne meta fact checker said it will remain operational with funding coming from Bytedance, among others.

For US users, this is really important as long as TikTok is located within the US. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case that deals with the government’s attempts to ban the popular app nationwide. If SCOTUS doesn’t bail on TikTok by January 19, or a magical deal with an off-the-air U.S. owner doesn’t close, the app — which many users, with their own rights of expression, consider a safer space than his. Alternative – it will disappear.

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In light of this week’s news, are you planning to ditch the meta platforms? Do you no longer feel safe on Facebook or Instagram? I’d love to hear about how your social media habits have changed.

Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send them to [email protected].

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What else are we reading?

🔗 Students accused in TikTok ‘catch a predator’ scheme.: A group of Massachusetts College students were charged with kidnapping and conspiracy after coordinating A To catch the predator– Such as a “sting” operation on campus and posted on TikTok. (New York Times)

🔗 Facebook deletes internal employee criticism of new board member Dana White: Meta is removing employee criticism of its hiring of UFC CEO Dana White from the company’s internal messaging system. Some employees commented on a 2023 video showing White slapping his wife at a bar on New Year’s Eve. (404 Media)

🔗 The Heritage Foundation plans to “identify and target” Wikipedia editors: The Heritage Foundation, publisher of Project 2025, recently told investors that it plans to use facial recognition software and dumps of hacked material to identify Wikipedia editors. (forward)

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On Friday, I will join a few of my other WIRED colleagues in covering oral arguments in the case TikTok v. United States. Our live blog of the day’s events will be available on our website before things get underway at 10 a.m. ET. C-SPAN is broadcasting the arguments live here.

Also, this is the TikTok of The most wonderful meeting on January 6.

That’s all for today — thanks again for subscribing. You can contact me Via email, Instagram, Xand reference in makenakelly.32.