1/10/25, 10:12 AM Meta/Facebook changes threaten Myanmar’s digital space disinformation and divisive rhetoric—over trustworthy sources. In Myanmar, where such content fuels violence, tackling algorithmic bias is essential. Moderation alone cannot resolve the issue if harmful content remains prioritised for profit. Meta’s goal of fostering “friendly and positive” platforms again misreads contexts like Myanmar, where people face widespread human rights violations and censorship, going online to seek truth and accountability—not superficial positivity. Meta must emphasise accurate and context-aware content over sentiment. Eliminating fact-checkers weakens truth-seeking efforts Meta’s decision to phase out fact-checkers, first in the U.S. and then globally, in favour of community-based systems is concerning, especially in Myanmar, where military propaganda and disinformation campaigns are rampant online. Zuckerberg’s use of language discrediting fact-checkers as “politically biased” mirrors authoritarian regimes’ attacks on civil society. Fact-checkers counter false narratives in Myanmar often spread by a military that simultaneously attacks independent media and civil society. They are digital safeguards that promote truth and integrity in public discourse. Indeed, Meta’s Human Rights Impact Assessment recommended that the company support fact-checkers in Myanmar. If fact-checkers’ public reach is limited, Meta could easily amplify their influence. Many factcheckers are journalists so withdrawing support also threatens the long-term viability of independent media, a critical pillar of democratic societies. Reintroducing current affairs content is positive, but Ameri-centric approach persists Zuckerberg’s announcement to reverse the earlier deprioritisation of current affairs content is welcome. A coalition of Myanmar’s civil society and independent media previously warned Meta that deprioritising current affairs content globally because of political polarisation in America would undermine public access to independent news in countries like Myanmar, given the severe restrictions on traditional media in the country. https://humanrightsmyanmar.org/?na=v&nk=2309-d30a0b150d&id=9 2/4