Social media platforms are progressively moving away from relying on external fact-checking services to combat misinformation. Instead, they are embracing user-generated annotations to clarify content. Recently, Mark Zuckerberg revealed intentions to discontinue traditional fact-checking on Meta’s platforms, which includes Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. This approach will be replaced with Community Notes, aimed at providing corrections and contextual information for posts deemed “confusing or potentially misleading.”

A comparable initiative was introduced on Twitter in January 2021 under the name Birdwatch. Following Elon Musk’s acquisition, the program transitioned into Community Notes, which has since seen enhancements. Community Notes replace the functionality to report misleading information on X. Musk has expressed both approval of this feature, calling it “awesome,” while also indicating efforts to improve it. Users of X can submit their own insights.

YouTube is also exploring community-driven corrections with a features that permits users to add contextual information to videos. Eligible participants can enroll on the program’s waitlist directly through the YouTube mobile app by navigating to Profile > Settings > General > Help inform viewers.

When approved contributors on Meta’s platforms submit Community Notes, other authorized contributors must concur that the added context is beneficial before it is published on posts. However, the criteria for what makes a note “helpful” remains somewhat ambiguous. As indicated in Meta’s FAQ, users can expect Community Notes to be gradually introduced and accessible across its platforms “over the coming months.”

Steps to Enroll in Meta Community Notes

At present, Meta has established a waitlist for users who wish to receive updates when the beta version of Community Notes becomes available. Interested individuals can add their names to the waitlist via Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. Eligibility is restricted to users based in the U.S. who are at least 18 years old, possess an account that has been active for over six months and is in good standing, and have either a verified phone number or have enabled two-factor authentication on their account.