Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Denounce Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking on Social Media Platforms

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are on their official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.
Photo: Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are speaking out against Meta’s decision to eliminate fact-checking across Facebook and Instagram, calling it a dangerous move that undermines free speech and promotes online harm. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, long advocates for a safer digital environment, issued a statement on Jan. 13 through their charitable Archewell Foundation, expressing their deep concerns over the policy changes.

In their statement titled “Fact-Checking Media,” Prince Harry and Meghan criticized Meta’s decision to halt third-party fact-checking programs, which were designed to prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful content on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. The couple emphasized that this move, coming on the heels of Meta’s broader internal policy changes, directly contradicts the company’s stated values and its mission to foster safe and meaningful connections online.

“It doesn’t matter whether your views are left, right, or somewhere in between—the latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech,” the statement began. “Contrary to the company’s talking points, allowing more abuse and normalizing hate speech serves to silence speech and expression, not foster it.”

The decision to roll back fact-checking and other protective measures follows a series of shifts in Meta’s internal strategies, including recent reports of cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. These changes have raised alarms among privacy advocates and online safety experts, who warn that the alterations could have significant consequences, especially for vulnerable communities.

 

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In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan also took aim at the timing of Meta’s decision, which they suggest is politically motivated. The announcement comes just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20, raising concerns about the platform’s role in shaping public discourse during a highly polarized political period.

“Meta has shown their words and commitments have very little meaning or integrity,” the statement continued. “As they announce these changes, undoubtedly responding to political winds, they abandon public safety in favor of profit, chaos, and control.”

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The Duke and Duchess, who have made online safety a central focus of their philanthropic work, also pointed to the profound global impact of Meta’s decisions. They noted that billions of people use Meta’s platforms, and the changes could further fuel the spread of misinformation and hate speech, potentially undermining democracy and civil rights around the world.

“Given the profound global impact Meta’s decisions have on the world—of which many are still recovering from or actively suffering from—the politics of one country should never determine whether freedom of expression and civil and human rights are protected in the online spaces so clearly shaping or destroying democracy,” they stated.

A significant part of the Archewell Foundation’s work involves advocating for safer online environments, particularly for families affected by the harmful effects of social media. Last year, the couple launched The Parents Network, a program designed to support families who have been devastated by the negative consequences of digital platforms. The statement emphasized that Meta’s actions represent a significant setback in this ongoing battle to protect the next generation.

“We are particularly alarmed by plans to abandon commitments to diversity and equity, coupled with internal policy changes that undermine protections for marginalized communities,” the statement added. “These decisions echo what experts, whistleblowers, and families have raised in hearings on online harm, especially regarding children’s safety.”

In their call for action, the couple urged Meta to reconsider its stance and reinstate policies that protect all users, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups. They also rallied support for organizations like The Center for Critical Internet Inquiry, 5Rights Foundation, Accountable Tech, and HalfTheStory, all of which work to hold tech companies accountable for their role in online safety.

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The statement also highlighted a growing concern for the mental health of children and families affected by social media. “Platform design, dictated by internal policies, directly determines our online experience,” they said. “To ignore this is knowingly putting everyone in harm’s way and contributing to a global mental health crisis.”

Prince Harry and Meghan’s efforts to create a safer digital space are deeply personal. As parents to two young children—Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3—the couple has become increasingly vocal about their commitment to protecting the next generation from the dangers of the internet.

In December 2024, Prince Harry spoke at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, where he highlighted the dangers of social media through the lens of a parent. “That’s one of the reasons we’re so focused on The Parents Network,” he said.

Meghan, who rejoined social media in January 2024 after years away, has also been cautious about how she engages with her online community. Her Instagram account, which is under the handle @meghan, is notably devoid of comments and does not follow anyone. This decision is likely a protective measure, allowing her to re-enter the digital world on her own terms while maintaining her peace.

The couple’s statement closed with a call for broader accountability in the tech industry. “We feel there is no justification for why this industry behaves as if they are exempt from the ethical and moral standards everyone else abides by,” they said. “We at The Archewell Foundation remain committed to promoting accountability, safeguarding information integrity, and protecting all communities in the digital age.”

Their commitment to advocating for safer digital spaces reflects their ongoing efforts to use their platform for positive change, as they continue to champion the rights of individuals and families affected by the harmful impact of social media.

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